What it means
A tort is a civil wrong that causes loss or harm to another person, giving rise to a claim for damages. Unlike a crime, it is dealt with between private parties rather than prosecuted by the state, and unlike a contract claim, it doesn't depend on a prior agreement. Common Australian torts include negligence, nuisance, trespass and defamation. The aim of tort law is generally to compensate the injured party and, where possible, restore them to the position they were in before the wrong.
How it's used
Defamation is a tort, so a person whose reputation is damaged by false statements may sue for compensation.