argumentum ad hominem

/ ˌɑːɡjʊˈmɛntʊm æd ˈhɒmɪˌnɛm /

noun

1. fallacious argument that attacks not an opponent's beliefs but his motives or character
2. argument that shows an opponent's statement to be inconsistent with his other beliefs
3. an instance of either of these

Word History and Origins

Origin of argumentum ad hominem¹

literally: argument to the person

Example Sentences

It was a masterful bit of hypocritical eloquence, of argumentum ad hominem; but it was made to simple and illiterate hearers.

From Project Gutenberg

It was not to this, however, that he directed his objection: the argumentum ad hominem came more easily to him.

From Project Gutenberg

But it was the Argumentum ad hominem; and if my uncle Toby was not very expert at it, you may think, he might not care to use it.

From Project Gutenberg

In a case like this the argumentum ad hominem, though a perfectly fair one, is a perfectly useless one.

From Project Gutenberg

The fallacy in logic known as the argumentum ad hominem becomes a pale thing in comparison with this new argumentum ad terram.

From Project Gutenberg