Assault is defined as which of the following?

• A. Unlawful touching of another person without consent
• B. Threat or attempt to injure
• C. Defamation
• D. False imprisonment

Answer: (B)

Assault is the intentional act that places someone in immediate fear of harmful or offensive contact, or the attempt to cause such contact. The key element is the threat or the attempt to injure, not actual touching. That’s why this option is the best answer: it captures the essential act of assault as a threat or imminent attempt, which can occur even without any physical contact.

By contrast, unlawful touching without consent describes battery—the actual physical contact that occurs without permission. Defamation involves false statements that harm a person’s reputation, and false imprisonment is the unlawful confinement of someone against their will. In practice, distinguishing these helps protect patient safety and guide reporting and documentation; always obtain consent and avoid threatening or coercive language that could be interpreted as assault.