The word "tort" comes from the Latin word "tortus" meaning "twisted" or "wrong." It describes a situation where someone's actions cause harm to another person, violating their rights and causing them to suffer damages.
Here are some examples of torts:
* Negligence: Failing to act with reasonable care, leading to harm.
* Intentional torts: Deliberate actions that cause harm, like assault or battery.
* Strict liability: Being held liable for harm caused by a dangerous product or activity, even if you were not negligent.
So, while the prefix "tort" doesn't have a standalone meaning, it's a key element in understanding the concept of "torts" in law.