An "ad hominem" argument is a type of logical fallacy where someone attacks the character or motives of a person instead of addressing the actual issue at hand. This tactic diverts attention from the argument and focuses on the individual, often undermining their credibility without providing relevant evidence or reasoning.
For example, if a debate about climate change is interrupted by someone saying, "You can't trust her opinion on this because she drives a gas-guzzling car," that statement is an ad hominem attack. It dismisses the argument based on personal behavior rather than engaging with the scientific evidence related to climate change.