tort

[ tawrt ]

noun

, Law.

1. a wrongful act, not including a breach of contract or trust, that results in injury to another's person, property, reputation, or the like, and for which the injured party is entitled to compensation.

tort

/ tɔːt /

noun

1. law a civil wrong arising from an act or failure to act, independently of any contract, for which an action for personal injury or property damages may be brought

Word History and Origins

Origin of tort¹

First recorded in 1350–1400; Middle English: “injury, wrong,” from Old French, from Medieval Latin tortum “wrong, injustice,” noun use of neuter of Latin tortus “twisted, crooked, dubious,” past participle of torquēre “to twist, wring”

Word History and Origins

Origin of tort¹

C14: from Old French, from Medieval Latin tortum, literally: something twisted, from Latin torquēre to twist

Example Sentences

They argued that Hawaii and its courts do not have “power to enact disastrous global energy policies via state tort law ... and imperil access to affordable energy.”

From Los Angeles Times

It is not known whether the allegations against Davis are connected to a series of lawsuits, tort claims and management issues that destabilized Diaz’s administration and became a distraction for the chief and for Harrell..

From Seattle Times

Several weeks ago, four women filed a tort claim for $5 million alleging misconduct by Diaz and other department leaders.

From Seattle Times

“Our victims didn’t talk to them but our victims provided them with the tort claims,” which laid out all the allegations in the case, Morrison said.

From Los Angeles Times

Last month, four female employees filed a tort claim for $5 million, alleging sexual discrimination and harassment by Diaz and other department leaders.

From Seattle Times

Related Words

• abuse
• bias
• blunder
• crime
• error
• evil
• grievance
• harm
• inequity
• injustice
• insult
• misdeed
• mistake
• prejudice
• slight
• transgression
• violation
• wrongdoing