Assault is a legal term that refers to the act of intentionally causing another person to fear imminent physical harm. It does not require physical contact; the mere threat of violence can be enough to constitute assault. This can include actions like raising a fist or making threatening gestures. In many jurisdictions, assault is classified into different degrees based on the severity of the threat or harm involved. For example, simple assault may involve minor threats or attempts to cause harm, while aggravated assault involves more serious threats or the use of a weapon. Legal consequences can vary significantly depending on the circumstances.