Definition of ad hominem
(Entry 1 of 2)
1
: appealing to feelings or prejudices rather than intellect
an ad hominem argument
2
: marked by or being an attack on an opponent's character rather than by an answer to the contentions made
made an ad hominem personal attack on his rival
ad hominem
adverbDefinition of ad hominem (Entry 2 of 2)
: in an ad hominem manner
was arguing ad hominem
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Merriam-Webster unabridged
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Time Traveler for ad hominem
The first known use of ad hominem was in 1588
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