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Tort

UK //tɔːt//US //tɔrt//

Definition

A civil wrong that causes harm or loss, leading to legal liability.

In simple words: A tort is a wrongful act that causes injury to someone, leading to legal action.

Examples

  • The defendant was found guilty of committing a tort against the plaintiff.
  • Negligence is one of the most common types of tort recognized by the law.
  • In this case, the tort resulted in significant damages to the victim.
  • A tort can lead to civil lawsuits in which compensation is sought.
  • He filed a tort claim after being injured due to someone else's negligence.

Usage notes

Used primarily in legal contexts. Not suitable for casual conversation. It's important to differentiate it from criminal acts, as torts deal with civil wrongs.

Grammar pattern

standalone noun

Memory hint

Think of 'tort' as a 'twisted' action causing harm.

Collocations

  • tort law
  • tort claim
  • tort liability
  • intentional tort
  • negligent tort

Synonyms

  • wrong
  • injury
  • civil wrong
  • misdeed
  • offense

Common mistakes

  • Confused with 'crime' - a tort is a civil wrong, not a crime.
  • Mispronounced as 'tort' with a different vowel sound.
  • Assuming all wrongs are torts without understanding legal context.