What do we call physical or verbal behavior intended to hurt someone?

The term that describes physical or verbal behavior intended to hurt someone is aggression. Aggression encompasses a range of behaviors that can cause harm either physically or psychologically, and it can manifest in various forms, including direct physical attacks, verbal insults, or other hostile actions. This concept is well-studied in psychology, and numerous theories explain its causes, such as biological factors, social learning, and environmental triggers.

In contrast, discrimination refers to the unjust treatment of individuals based on their membership in a particular group, while prejudice involves preconceived attitudes or feelings toward a group that may not necessarily manifest in harmful behavior. Stereotyping is related to making generalized beliefs about a group of people, but it does not inherently involve the active intention to harm. Understanding these distinctions is essential for grasping how different forms of social behavior impact individuals and groups.