What is the primary definition of 'battery' in legal terms?

The primary definition of 'battery' in legal terms refers specifically to the unlawful use of physical force that results in harmful or offensive contact with another person. This definition emphasizes that battery involves an actual act of violence or aggression, as opposed to merely threatening someone or intending to intimidate them. In legal contexts, the crucial element is that there must be a physical act that causes harm or is offensive, regardless of whether the victim was injured in a medical sense.

Understanding this definition is vital because it distinguishes battery from related concepts such as assault, which may involve threats or fear of harm rather than actual physical contact. This clarity helps in identifying and prosecuting cases where battery is at play, as the legal ramifications are significantly different from mere verbal threats or intentions.