Knifepoint
/ˈnaɪf.pɔɪnt/noun
The sharp tip of a knife, especially when used to threaten or compel someone.
Did you know?Point ultimately traces to Latin punctum, “a prick” or “spot made by puncturing,” linking everyday pointing with the physical act of piercing.
Etymological Timeline
Early Medieval Period
Old Norse
knífr
“A knife or cutting instrument; the source of English knife.”
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*peug-
“To prick, pierce, or strike; the ancient root behind the point-family.”
Classical Latin
Latin
punctum
“A prick, puncture, or point; literally something made by piercing.”
12th–13th Century
Old French
point
“A point, dot, sharp tip, or puncture, descended from Latin punctum.”
Middle English
English
knif
“Knife; the initial k was later lost in pronunciation.”
Modern English
English
knifepoint
“The sharp tip of a knife, especially in the phrase “at knifepoint.””