WordValenoun
strawman
a misrepresented version of an argument, set up to be easily defeated
In more detail
1. (noun) a weak or false argument that is easy to defeat, created deliberately to make one's own position seem stronger
2. (noun) a person who is used as a front to hide the real person in control of something
Examples
- 1. His claim that I wanted to ban all cars was a strawman—I only said we should reduce emissions.
- 2. The company used a strawman owner to hide who really controlled the business.
Learn it for good
Save this word in WordVale and it comes back for review right before you'd forget it — with pronunciation, real examples, and optional translations. One purchase, no subscription.
Get WordValeFREE 7-DAY TRIAL · iPHONE & iPAD