tort: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2Formal, Technical
Quick answer
What does “tort” mean?
A wrongful act, other than a breach of contract, that causes harm and for which the law provides a civil remedy, typically compensation.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A wrongful act, other than a breach of contract, that causes harm and for which the law provides a civil remedy, typically compensation.
In law, a civil wrong, such as negligence, nuisance, or defamation, that unfairly causes someone else to suffer loss or harm, resulting in legal liability for the person who commits the wrongful act.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No major differences in core legal meaning. The procedural aspects and some specific torts (e.g., 'intentional infliction of emotional distress') may have different legal tests or prevalence.
Connotations
Highly technical legal term in both variants. No casual connotation.
Frequency
Exclusively used in legal contexts. Equally low frequency in general language, but high frequency within law.
Grammar
How to Use “tort” in a Sentence
[subject/defendant] committed a tort against [object/claimant]The tort of [specific tort, e.g., negligence]Liable/actionable in tortA claim in tortVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “tort” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- The tortious act was clearly established.
- Tort law principles were applied.
American English
- The tortious interference claim was dismissed.
- He faced tort liability.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Discussed in risk management, liability insurance, and corporate compliance contexts (e.g., 'The company faces potential tort liability for the environmental damage.').
Academic
A core subject in law degrees and research on civil liability, jurisprudence, and social policy.
Everyday
Virtually never used in everyday conversation outside of discussing a specific legal case.
Technical
The foundational term in the legal field of tort law, defining the scope of civil obligations not arising from contracts.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “tort”
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “tort”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “tort”
- Using 'tort' to mean a crime (it's civil, not criminal).
- Confusing 'tort' with 'breach of contract'.
- Pronouncing it like the dessert 'torte' (/tɔːt/ vs. /tɔːt/ or /tɔːteɪ/).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. A tort is a civil wrong addressed through lawsuits for damages. A crime is a public wrong prosecuted by the state, potentially leading to punishment like imprisonment.
A breach of contract violates specific terms of an agreement between parties. A tort violates a general duty owed to society (e.g., a duty of care), regardless of any prior agreement.
A tortfeasor is the person or entity that commits a tort; the defendant in a tort case.
Yes. For example, an assault can lead to criminal prosecution by the state and a separate tort lawsuit by the victim for compensation (e.g., for medical bills).
A wrongful act, other than a breach of contract, that causes harm and for which the law provides a civil remedy, typically compensation.
Tort is usually formal, technical in register.
Tort: in British English it is pronounced /tɔːt/, and in American English it is pronounced /tɔːrt/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of being TORTured. A tort is a civil wrong that causes harm or injury (like a form of legal 'torture' for the victim), leading to a claim for damages.
Conceptual Metaphor
LAW IS A BALANCE SCALE (tort law seeks to restore balance by compensating the victim); WRONGDOING IS A BURDEN (the tortfeasor must bear the burden of compensating for the harm).
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary purpose of a tort claim?