sophism

noun

soph·​ism ˈsä-ˌfi-zəm 

1

: an argument apparently correct in form but actually invalid

especially : such an argument used to deceive

2

: sophistry sense 1

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

sophism

noun

soph·​ism ˈsäf-ˌiz-əm 

: a misleading argument that seems reasonable