Definition:
A weak or imaginary opposition (such as an argument or adversary) set up only to be easily confuted
"straw man." Merriam Webster, 10 Aug. 2022, www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/straw%20man. Accessed 7 Sept. 2022.
Informal Definition:
An argument put in place to look like an opposing argument but is actually there to be an easily refuted argument.
Etymology:
1590s, "doll or scarecrow made of bound straw," from straw (n.) + man (n.). Figuratively, in debates, by 1896, from man of straw "an easily refuted imaginary opponent in an argument," which is recorded from 1620s.
"Straw man." Online Entomology Dictionary. Online Etymology Dictionary, 12 Nov. 2018, www.etymonline.com/word/straw%20man. Accessed 7 Sept. 2022.
Jacqueline Cook