What term describes intentional, harmful physical contact with another person?

The term that describes intentional, harmful physical contact with another person is battery. Battery involves not only the act of causing physical harm but also includes any offensive or harmful touching that is carried out with intent. This means that if a person deliberately makes contact with another in a way that is harmful or offensive, this constitutes battery, regardless of whether or not actual injury occurs.

In contrast, accidental injury refers to harm that occurs without intention, which does not fit the definition of battery. Assault, while often used interchangeably with battery, specifically refers to the act of threatening or creating apprehension of imminent harm, which doesn’t necessarily involve physical contact. Emotional distress refers to psychological harm rather than physical injuries. Thus, battery is the correct term for intentional, harmful physical contact.