A contested concept, whose central cases include bodily injury and injury to one's central and legitimate interests. Harm has some connotations of permanence, so one might hurt oneself temporarily without harming oneself (stubbing one's toe, for example). Given the principle that one of the main accepted reasons for legal restraint is the prevention of harm to others, it remains important to determine the limits of the concept. Disputed cases include the causing of discomfort, insult, nuisance, and offence.
Philosophy dictionary. Academic. 2011.