ETYM French, from Late Lat. tortum, from Latin tortus twisted, crooked, p. p. of torqure to twist, bend. Related to Torture.
(Homonym: torte).
Any wrongdoing for which and action for damages may be brought; SYN. civil wrong.

Civil injury, excluding breach of contract, actionable for damages. tort-feasor, person committing tort.
In law, a wrongful act for which someone can be sued for damages in a civil court. It includes such acts as libel, trespass, injury done to someone (whether intentionally or by negligence), and inducement to break a contract (although breach of contract itself is not a tort).
In general a tort is distinguished from a crime in that it affects the interests of an individual rather than of society at large, but some crimes can also be torts (for example, assault).