Assault
What does "Assault" mean in law?
Assault is an intentional tort involving an act that creates a reasonable apprehension of imminent harmful or offensive contact with the plaintiff's person. Unlike battery, assault does not require actual physical contact — only the apprehension of it. Words alone are generally insufficient; there must be an overt act. The apprehension must be of imminent contact, and the defendant must have the apparent ability to carry out the threat.
Definition
Assault is an intentional tort involving an act that creates a reasonable apprehension of imminent harmful or offensive contact with the plaintiff's person. Unlike battery, assault does not require actual physical contact — only the apprehension of it. Words alone are generally insufficient; there must be an overt act. The apprehension must be of imminent contact, and the defendant must have the apparent ability to carry out the threat.
Example
A person raises a fist and swings at another, missing by inches. The victim's reasonable apprehension of being struck constitutes an assault.