'point-blank' originates from early modern usage influenced by French phrase 'point blanc' (literally 'point white'). The element 'point' comes from Old French 'point' (from Latin 'punctum', 'point') and 'blanc' from Old French meaning 'white' or 'blank/clear'.

'point-blank' appeared in English in the early 17th century, borrowed from the French 'point blanc' used in gunnery and archery to indicate a shot at such a point that no elevation adjustment was needed; it entered English with the same literal sense and later acquired figurative senses.

Initially it meant 'at the exact point (requiring no adjustment)', i.e. 'very close range' for shooting; over time it broadened to mean 'directly or bluntly' when applied to speech or refusals.