What term describes causing bodily harm to an individual?

The term that describes causing bodily harm to an individual is "battery." In legal terms, battery refers to the intentional infliction of harmful or offensive contact with another person. This can include a range of actions, from physical violence to unwanted touching, as long as it results in some form of bodily harm or offense.

Understanding this definition is crucial, as it distinguishes battery from other related concepts. For instance, harassment usually involves a pattern of behavior aimed at intimidating or distressing an individual, rather than directly causing physical harm. Similarly, while aggravated assault involves an intention to cause serious harm or the use of a weapon, it does not necessarily require that physical contact has occurred; it is primarily concerned with the threat of harm. Intimidation focuses on instilling fear and does not require any physical contact or harm.

Therefore, battery specifically addresses the actual act of causing harm, making it the appropriate term in this context.