argumentum ad hominem

British  

/ 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

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Etymology

Origin of argumentum ad hominem

literally: argument to the person

Example Sentences

Andr� ' whole case for Dickens is an argumentum ad hominem.

From Time Magazine Archive

A sharp argumentum ad hominem, for the benefit of the ultra-radical accuser closes this division of his defence.

From The Bay State Monthly — Volume 1, No. 6, June, 1884 by Various

But this argumentum ad hominem is merely by the way, and has more to do with the consistency of the author, than with the validity of his position.

From A Theodicy, or, Vindication of the Divine Glory by Bledsoe, Albert Taylor

This argumentum ad hominem elicited sundry greedy looks from the surrounding crowd; and cries of "Ah, tortillas! ah, pulque!" burst from the craving lips of the Léperos.

From Blackwood's Edinburgh Magazine, Volume 57, No. 355, May 1845 by Various

But he is employing the argumentum ad hominem.

From Curious Church Customs and Cognate Subjects by Andrews, William