tortious
Americanadjective
adjective
Other Word Forms
Derived Forms
Etymology
Origin of tortious
1350–1400; Middle English torcious < Anglo-French, equivalent to torci ( on ) torsion + -ous -ous; meaning influenced by tort
Explanation
In civil law, a tort is an act that brings harm to someone — one that infringes on the rights of others. The adjective tortious therefore describes something related to a tort. Tortious interference occurs when you intentionally harm someone's business. If you claim that a restaurant uses rats in its stew, the owner can sue you for tortious interference. If, however, you can prove your suspicions are true, the restaurant will probably be closed by the health inspector. What's important is the intent of your actions — you've committed no tortious act if you tell the truth.
Vocabulary lists containing tortious
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
The claim filed at the High Court is being brought under the Data Protection Act and for tortious misuse of private information.
From BBC • Jun. 3, 2026
If the accusations against her are false, she could also have a claim against her accusers for defamation and tortious interference.
From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 3, 2026
“In some severe cases, the plaintiff may have additional remedies through a civil lawsuit for claims like negligence or tortious interference with inheritance rights,” the law firm says.
From MarketWatch • Mar. 19, 2026
Alvarado, who is seeking $1 million following her arrest, citing “the unconstitutional conduct, unlawful arrest, and the tortious conduct of Border Patrol and ICE agents,” said her daughter is healthy and growing.
From Salon • Oct. 22, 2025
The Cook's proceeding was undoubtedly tortious; it was not a criminal action, though it certainly cannot be called a civil one.
From Punch, or the London Charivari, Volume 103, July 23, 1892 by Various
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
