WordValetortfeasor
a person who commits a civil wrong
In more detail
1. (noun) a person who commits a tort (a wrongful act or breach of duty that causes harm to another person and can result in legal responsibility for damages)
Examples
- 1. The tortfeasor was ordered to pay compensation to the injured party.
How to use tortfeasor
Tortfeasor is a technical legal term used in civil law contexts to refer to the person or entity held responsible for committing a tort. It is neutral and precise, commonly appearing in legal documents, courtroom proceedings, and academic legal writing. The term emphasizes legal responsibility rather than moral culpability.
Common phrases
- tortfeasor's liability
- the tortfeasor is responsible
- joint tortfeasors
- comparative negligence of the tortfeasor
- the tortfeasor must pay damages
Synonyms
wrongdoer · defendant · liable party · offender
Word family
tort · tortious · tortuously
A common mistake
Learners sometimes confuse tortfeasor with the criminal equivalent and use it to describe criminal wrongdoing, when it strictly refers to civil wrongs that result in liability for damages rather than criminal prosecution.
Save this word in WordVale and it comes back for review right before you'd forget it — with pronunciation, real examples, and optional translations. One purchase, no subscription.
Get WordValeFREE 7-DAY TRIAL · iPHONE & iPAD