gunpoint
v.— «One that I’ve heard several times, but never seen in print is the verb gunpoint, as in: “He came up to my car window, gunpointed me, and told me to get out and surrender my keys.” It’s economical, instantly comprehensible, and graphic—better than: “pointed a gun at me…”» —“Collins Word Exchange” by Vivien Horler Languagehat Jan. 17, 2005. (source: Double-Tongued Dictionary)
Further reading
In the 15th century, the word respair meant “to have hope again.” Although this word fell out of use, it’s among dozens collected in a new book of soothing vocabulary for troubled times. Plus, baseball slang: If a batter...
U.S. President Thomas Jefferson has been credited with the first use of belittled in print. The word appears in his 1785 Notes on the State of Virginia. This is part of a complete episode.
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