ad hominem

Ellipsis of the Latin expression argumentum ad hominem (“argument at the person”). It can also mean attacking the messenger.

ad hominem (plural ad hominems)

1. 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 himself.
2. A personal attack. (Can we add an example for this sense?)

• (a fallacious objection): argumentum ad hominem

• ad verecundiam (see Wikipedia:Argument from authority)
• appeal to authority
• ipse dixit

• playing the man and not the ball
• poisoning the well

ad hominem (not comparable)

1. Of or relating to this kind of fallacious objection.

   Well that's an ad hominem argument.

ad hominem (not comparable)

1. In an ad hominem manner.

   He tried to make his case by arguing ad hominem.

ad hominem (plural ad hominem, comparable)

1. (of an argument) ad hominem (being a personal attack)

ad hominem (not comparable)

1. in an ad hominem manner