Definition, Meaning & Synonyms

straw-man

noun

/strɔː mæn/

Definition

A straw-man argument is a form of argument where someone misrepresents an opponent’s position to make it easier to attack.

Examples

During the debate, the politician used a straw-man to divert attention from the real issues at hand.
Instead of addressing the actual argument, she created a straw-man that was easy to knock down.
It’s misleading to use a straw-man; honest debate requires engaging with the real arguments.

Meaning

The term ‘straw man’ refers to a tactic in debates or discussions where someone sets up a distorted or simplified version of an argument, refuting it rather than addressing the original argument itself.