harm

Harm is a legal concept that describes a loss, damage, or injury to another. Harm includes any negative effect or hindrance of legal rights, property, physical health, mental health, and more. Harm can be tangible or intangible. Examples of physical harm include injury to a person’s body or damage to property, like land or a car. Examples of intangible harm can be seen as material damage to a company or business such as negatively impacting economic well-being, lost sales, damaged reputation, overall welfare, etc. Courts can order a harm be remedied through damages. Irreparable harm specifically refers to harm or injuries that cannot be adequately compensated or remedied by any monetary award, or damages that may be awarded later. Irreparable harm is a necessary requirement for a court to grant a preliminary injunction or a temporary restraining order.

[Last reviewed in March of 2026 by the Wex Definitions Team]

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