intentional infliction of emotional distress
intentional infliction of emotional distress. The tort of intentionally or recklessly causing another person severe emotional distress through one’s extreme or outrageous acts. • In a few jurisdictions, a physical manifestation of the mental suffering is required for the plaintiff to recover. — Also termed (in some states) outrage. See EMOTIONAL DISTRESS. Cf. NEGLIGENT INFLICTION OF EMOTIONAL DISTRESS. — Abbr. IIED. [Cases: Damages 50.10. C.J.S. Damages §§ 95, 98–104; Torts §§ 67–75, 78.]