(Latin) proof of the falsity of a principle by demonstrating that its logical consequence involves an absurdity. Literally means "
reduction to absurdity." It is used loosely of taking an argument or principle to impractical lengths.
Example: "The more sleep one has the longer one lives. To sleep all the time ensures the longest possible life." —3rd South African unpublished Appr GLS (19.3.92), —3rd South African published appr gls (14.4.92), —Games Congress Gls (Approved 13.8.92)