Dictionary

straw man

noun

: a weak or imaginary argument or opponent that is set up to be easily defeated

Full Definition of STRAW MAN

1
:  a weak or imaginary opposition (as an argument or adversary) set up only to be easily confuted
2
:  a person set up to serve as a cover for a usually questionable transaction
ADVERTISEMENT

First Known Use of STRAW MAN

1886

Browse

Next Word in the Dictionary: strawmotePrevious Word in the Dictionary: straw lineAll Words Near: straw man
ADVERTISEMENT
How to use a word that (literally) drives some people nuts.
Test your vocab with our fun, fast game
Ailurophobia, and 9 other unusual fears