What does tortfeasor mean?
A tortfeasor is a person or organization that commits a tort—a wrongful act for which the law provides a remedy. The term is especially associated with civil law and can apply to negligent conduct as well as deliberate wrongdoing, although intent is not always required. For example, a driver who negligently injures a pedestrian may be treated as a tortfeasor, while a company may also qualify if its wrongful conduct causes legally cognizable harm. The word identifies responsibility for the tort itself rather than necessarily implying criminal intent. It is consequently more specific than the everyday word “wrongdoer,” which can describe anyone who breaks a moral, social, or legal rule. Tortfeasors may act independently or together, in which case they can be described as joint tortfeasors. Although the word belongs primarily to legal writing and courtroom arguments, it has also appeared in journalism, policy debates, and discussions of corporate responsibility.
nounA person or organization that commits a tort, especially a wrongful act that causes legal harm to another party.
- A person or organization legally responsible for committing a tort.
"The court found the company liable after determining that it had acted as a tortfeasor."
"The injured pedestrian sued the driver and alleged that the driver had acted as a tortfeasor."
"The settlement barred the tortfeasors from conducting business in the state for five years."
The regular plural adds “-s”; “joint tortfeasors” is a common legal phrase.
"Several tortfeasors were named in the complaint."
Sometimes the tortfeasor is no villain at all: an accidental injury can still make someone a tortfeasor.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does tortfeasor come from?
The English word dates from the late 16th century and combines an element meaning “wrong” with one meaning “doer.” Its immediate ancestry lies in Anglo-French tort and faisor, the latter based on a form of Latin facere, “to do.” Related English formations include malfeasance and malfeasor, while tortious preserves the same older root in a primarily legal or archaic sense.
Related word forms
How tortfeasor is actually used
This is formal legal terminology. In general usage, “wrongdoer” is more natural and may be broader or less precise.
Easily confused with tortfeasor
A trespasser specifically enters or remains on another person's property without permission, whereas a tortfeasor may commit any legally recognized tort.
A malfeasor is someone who engages in officially defined misconduct, especially by a public official, while a tortfeasor is more broadly anyone who commits a tort.