ad hominem
adverb
- fallacious argumentative strategy that avoids genuine discussion of the topic by instead attacking the character, motive etc. of the person(s) associated with the argument
Wiktionary
adj
Etymology: Ellipsis of the Latin expression argumentum ad hominem (“argument at the person”). It can also mean attacking the messenger.
- Of or relating to this kind of fallacious objection.
“Well that's an ad hominem argument.”
adv
Etymology: Ellipsis of the Latin expression argumentum ad hominem (“argument at the person”). It can also mean attacking the messenger.
- In an ad hominem manner.
“He tried to make his case by arguing ad hominem.”
noun
Etymology: Ellipsis of the Latin expression argumentum ad hominem (“argument at the person”). It can also mean attacking the messenger.
- Ellipsis of argumentum ad hominem: A fallacious objection to an argument or factual claim by appealing to a characteristic or belief of the person making the argument or claim, rather than by addressing the substance of the argument or producing evidence against the claim; an attempt to argue against an opponent's idea by discrediting the opponent themselves.
- A personal attack.