The debate between the mayoral candidates was going smoothly until the ad hominem [æd ˈhɑmɪnəm] attacks began.

ad hominem
adj [æd ˈhɑmɪnəm]

Something described as ad hominem involves an attack on an opponent’s character rather than an answer to assertions or points that the opponent has made.

Ad hominem literally means “to the person” in New Latin (Latin as used since the end of the medieval period).

English