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 In the summer of 2003, readers were riveted by the plight of Elizabeth Smart, a 14-year-old girl kidnapped at knifepoint in her bedroom at her family's house in Salt Lake City and held captive for nine months by Brian David Mitchell, a religious fanatic who claimed to be a prophet named Immanuel. Samira Asma-Sadeque, Peoplemag, 7 June 2024 An Eagan man has been sentenced to 20 years in prison for raping a college student at knifepoint near a bike path in Madison, Wis., in 2005. Nick Ferraro, Twin Cities, 4 June 2024 Davis was convicted in 1996 for the 1993 killing of Klaas, 12, after kidnapping her from her bedroom at knifepoint in a San Francisco suburb. Louis Casiano, Fox News, 31 May 2024 Four months after the homicide, Williams raped another woman in Brown Deer at knifepoint. Ashley Luthern, Journal Sentinel, 20 May 2024 Back at the command center, Tala suddenly pops up and holds Carla Chase (Seana Kofoed) at knifepoint, but a recovered Sam shoots her in the head to end things. William Earl, Variety, 7 May 2024 Tierney alleged that the victims were involved in the plotting of a knifepoint robbery at a gas station on Feb. 20, which may have resulted in their murders, KKTV reported. Nicole Acosta, Peoplemag, 2 May 2024 Richard Allen Davis, who is locked up at San Quentin State Prison, was sentenced to death for abducting 12-year-old Polly — now known as the first missing girl on the internet — from a sleepover at knifepoint and then strangling her to death. Audrey Conklin, Fox News, 6 Apr. 2024 Assistant police Chief Ed DeCastro said officers responded to an armed robbery call at a business and found that a woman had gone to medical urgent care for treatment after a man attempted to take the woman's car at gun- and knifepoint. Shelby Slade, The Arizona Republic, 21 Feb. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'knifepoint.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

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 13 Jun. 2024.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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