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tort

The definition of a tort is a wrongdoing where a person causes damage or injury and can be sued for their action.

(noun)

An example of a tort is when a caretaker leaves an elderly patient alone in the kitchen and the patient severly cuts her hand.

See tort in Webster's New World College Dictionary

noun

a wrongful act, injury, or damage (not involving a breach of contract), for which a civil action can be brought

Origin: OFr < ML tortum < neut. of L tortus, pp. of torquere, to twist < IE *terk-, to turn < base *ter-, to rub > throw

See tort in American Heritage Dictionary 4

noun
Law

Damage, injury, or a wrongful act done willfully, negligently, or in circumstances involving strict liability, but not involving breach of contract, for which a civil suit can be brought.

Origin:

Origin: Middle English, injury

Origin: , from Old French

Origin: , from Medieval Latin tortum

Origin: , from Latin

Origin: , neuter past participle of torquēre, to twist; see terk^w- in Indo-European roots

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