Directed at a person's character, not to his logic or record; maliciously critical. In rhetoric, an ad hominem argument attacks the defenders of an opposing position personally rather than sticking to the point.
2. Appealing to personal prejudices or emotions rather than to reason; such as, an ad hominem debate or argument.3. As part of a Christian ritual, standing behind the altar and facing the congregation (a reference to the celebrant).
Argumentum ad hominem is an effective rhetorical tactic, appealing to feelings rather than to intellect, or directed against an opponent's character rather than the subject under discussion. Argumentum ad hominem is considered a logical fallacy, in that such an argument fails to prove a point by failing to address it. In "practical politics" and in many a court of law, argumentum ad hominem is considered persuasive.
The same name is given to an argument in which one employs an opponent's words or actions. It has been said that an illustration of the argumentum ad hominem is found in the technique of the defense lawyer who, when at a loss for legitimate arguments, attacks the attorney for the plaintiff, but it is said that this is not the current usage of this phrase in the United States.