Persuasive Definition

A persuasive definition is a form of definition which purports to describe the 'true' or 'commonly accepted' meaning of a term, while in reality stipulating an uncommon or altered use, usually to support an argument for some view, or to create or alter rights, duties or crimes. The terms thus defined will often involve emotionally charged but imprecise notions, such as "freedom", "terrorism", "democracy", etc. In argumentation the use of a stipulative definition is an example of the definist fallacy.

Examples of persuasive definitions include:

• atheist – "someone who doesn't yet realize that God exists"
• Democrat – "a leftist who desires to overtax the corporations and abolish freedom in the economic sphere"
• Republican – "an old white man who feels threatened by change."
• fetus – "an unborn person"
• Loyalty – "a tool to get people to do things they don't want to do."

Persuasive definitions commonly appear in controversial topics such as politics, sex, and religion, as participants in emotionally-charged exchanges will sometimes become more concerned about swaying people to one side or another than expressing the unbiased facts. A persuasive definition of a term is favorable to one argument or unfavorable to the other argument, but is presented as if it were neutral and well-accepted, and the listener is expected to accept such a definition without question.

The term "persuasive definition" was introduced by philosopher C.L. Stevenson as part of his emotive theory of meaning.