ad hominem

[ad hom-uh-nuhm, -nem, ahd‐]

adjective

1. attacking an opponent's character or motives rather than answering the argument or claim.

2. appealing to one's prejudices, emotions, or special interests rather than to one's intellect or reason.

ad hominem

/ æd ˈhɒmɪˌnɛm /

adjective

1. directed against a person rather than against his arguments

2. based on or appealing to emotion rather than reason

ad hominem

1. A Latin expression meaning “to the man.” An ad hominem argument is one that relies on personal attacks rather than reason or substance.

Word History and Origins

Origin of ad hominem¹

First recorded in 1580–90 ad hominem for def. 2, and in 1780–90 ad hominem for def. 1; from Latin: literally, “to the man, to the person,” i.e., to the passions or prejudices or interests of the person

Word History and Origins

Origin of ad hominem¹

literally: to the man

Example Sentences

“I don’t think the point of this is to have a venting session for ad hominem attacks against the president,” York said.

From Los Angeles Times

“They exist to attack, insult, smear, and it’s all ad hominem,” said John Cardillo, a former New York Police Department officer turned conservative commentator.

From BBC

His vituperative ad hominem rants against Trump are well known.

From Salon

Because of the previous rancor among some of the candidates, I instituted a “No ad hominem attack” rule and limited their amount of time to answer questions to keep it civil.

From Salon

For her part, Gay wrote in the Times that those who campaigned to have her ousted “often trafficked in lies and ad hominem insults, not reasoned arguments.”

From Seattle Times