Definitions

1. noun

A person or idea that is unfairly attacked or criticized in order to make something else seem more acceptable or reasonable.

“The politician accused her opponent of raising a strawman in the debate to distract from her own policies.”

2. verb

To create or describe a false or exaggerated argument or opponent in order to make an argument seem more convincing or reasonable.

“The advertising company strawmanned the competitor’s product by exaggerating its flaws.”

3. noun

A bundle of straw used as a dummy target for shooting practice.

“The archer used a strawman to practice his aim.”