Gunpoint - Definition, Meaning, and Examples in English

Definition

^{Context #1 | Noun}

threatening situation

Gunpoint refers to the condition in which someone is being threatened with a firearm. This term is commonly used in the context of robbery or hostage situations. Being at gunpoint implies an extreme level of danger, where the person threatened must comply with the demands of the individual wielding the gun to avoid harm. It represents a clear power imbalance and often leads to a feeling of helplessness for the victim. The term encapsulates the intensity and urgency of the threat posed by a firearm.

Synonyms

coercion, danger, threat.

Examples of usage

He was forced to hand over his wallet at gunpoint.
The robber demanded the money at gunpoint.
She felt terrified, standing at gunpoint during the robbery.

Interesting Facts

Law Enforcement

Police often use the concept of gunpoint in negotiation strategies to defuse tense hostage situations.
In many jurisdictions, the use of a firearm in a threatening manner can lead to severe legal consequences, including felony charges.

Media Representation

The phrase is commonly found in crime dramas and thrillers, highlighting high-stakes scenarios.
Movies often portray standoffs at gunpoint to create tension, shaping public perception of crime.

Psychology

Being threatened at gunpoint can lead to severe psychological effects, including PTSD and anxiety disorders.
Victims may experience a state of panic or dissociation during high-stress encounters due to the brain's fight-or-flight response.

Safety and Prevention

Many communities implement safety programs to educate people on how to respond if threatened at gunpoint.
Self-defense courses often teach de-escalation techniques to avoid such dangerous situations.

Origin of 'gunpoint'

Main points about word origin

The term 'gunpoint' combines 'gun', which comes from the Old Norse word 'genna', and 'point', referring to directing the weapon at someone.
First recorded in use in the late 19th century, referring to armed robbery or intimidation.

The term 'gunpoint' originated in the early 20th century as a compound word combining 'gun,' a weapon that propels projectiles, and 'point,' which in this context refers to the act of directing or aiming something at a target. The first known usage of 'gunpoint' can be traced back to descriptions of violent crimes and confrontations where firearms were involved. As the prevalence of guns increased in society, so did the use of the term to describe situations where individuals are coerced or threatened at the level of a firearm. Over the decades, 'gunpoint' has gained notoriety in popular culture, particularly in crime novels and films, reinforcing its association with high-stakes confrontations. The phrase emphasizes not only the physical danger posed by the weapon but also the psychological impact on victims, who face threats to their safety and autonomy.

Gunpoint Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations