knifepoint

noun

knife·​point ˈnīf-ˌpȯint How to pronounce knifepoint (audio)
: the point of a knife
Phrases
at knifepoint
: under a threat of being knifed

Examples of knifepoint in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
And the report alleged that investigations of such abuse are sometimes questionable, as in the case of an Autry State Prison inmate who reported being raped at knifepoint. Jeff Martin, Los Angeles Times, 1 Oct. 2024 The incident occurred on Thursday, Sept. 12, when officers were attempting to rescue the girl, who was being held hostage at knifepoint by her mother at the time, authorities said in a release posted on the city's website. Brenton Blanchet, Peoplemag, 16 Sep. 2024 Ryan, the man who held Christine at knifepoint, also apparently had an account on the website and had been communicating with whoever was accessing the site from the Banfield computer. Audrey Conklin, Fox News, 13 Sep. 2024 She was forced to the ground at knifepoint by two homeless men near Surf Ave. Roni Jacobson, New York Daily News, 12 Aug. 2024 See all Example Sentences for knifepoint 

Word History

First Known Use

1585, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of knifepoint was in 1585

Dictionary Entries Near knifepoint

Cite this Entry

“Knifepoint.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/knifepoint. Accessed 23 Nov. 2024.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!