What is the definition of assault as an intentional tort?

The definition of assault as an intentional tort involves creating a reasonable fear of immediate harmful contact. This means that the key element of assault is not the actual infliction of physical harm, but rather the perception and psychological impact on the victim. If an individual threatens to cause harm or acts in a way that makes another person fear for their safety, that constitutes assault, even if no physical contact occurs.

For an act to be classified as assault, the victim must feel a imminent threat that they could be harmed, and that fear must be reasonable given the circumstances. This distinguishes it from other legal concepts, such as battery, which involves the actual physical contact or harm. Therefore, the correct answer accurately reflects the legal understanding of assault in the context of intentional torts.