Intentional infliction of emotional distress (IIED)

tort based on outrageous conduct that causes severe emotional distress. One, who by extreme and outrageous conduct, intentionally or recklessly causes severe emotional distress, is liable for such emotional distress, and if bodily harm results, for such bodily harm. Courts have held that conduct must be so outrageous in character and extreme in degree that it goes beyond all possible bounds of decency, is regarded as atrocious, and is utterly intolerable in a civilized society. Insulting someone is generally not enough to constitute IIED. Compare Negligent Infliction of Emotional Distress.