Definition

Noun: A person or entity that commits a civil wrong, known as a tort, which causes loss or harm to another, resulting in legal liability. A tort-feasor is the party against whom a tort claim is brought.

Usage

The term is used in legal contexts to identify the defendant in a tort case. It specifies the party alleged to have committed the wrongful act or omission that injured the plaintiff. - The injured party sued the tort-feasor for damages. - Identifying the primary tort-feasor is the first step in the litigation.

Examples

• The court found the negligent driver to be the tort-feasor responsible for the accident.
• In cases of product liability, the manufacturer can be held liable as a tort-feasor.
• The plaintiff's lawyer must prove that the defendant was the tort-feasor.

Advanced Usage

• Joint tort-feasors: Refers to two or more parties whose combined actions or negligence caused a single, indivisible injury to the plaintiff. They may be held jointly and severally liable.
  • The construction company and the subcontractor were deemed joint tort-feasors.

Variants and Related Words

• Tortfeasor: An alternative, often more common, spelling of the same word.
• Tortious (adj): Of the nature of or pertaining to a tort.
  • The defendant's tortious conduct caused significant harm.

Synonyms

• Wrongdoer (in a civil context)
• Defendant (specifically in a tort suit)

Notes on Meaning

This term is strictly legal. It does not imply criminal guilt ("criminal" vs. "tort-feasor") but civil liability for a wrongful act that is not necessarily a breach of contract. The harm can be physical, financial, or to one's reputation.

Noun

1. a party who has committed a tort