Definition, Meaning & Synonyms

ad-hominem

noun

ˌædˈhɒmɪnɛm

Definition

An argument that attacks a person’s character or personal traits instead of engaging with their argument or position.

Examples

During the debate, one candidate resorted to an ad-hominem attack instead of addressing the issues.
The criticism was more of an ad-hominem nature than a substantive critique of the theory presented.

Meaning

The term ‘ad-hominem’ refers to a specific type of fallacy where the focus is diverted from the argument at hand to discredit the opponent personally.