In a legal context, what does "outrage" refer to?

In a legal context, "outrage" specifically refers to the intentional infliction of emotional distress. This legal concept involves actions that are so extreme and outrageous that they exceed the bounds of decency tolerated by society. To establish a claim for intentional infliction of emotional distress, a plaintiff must demonstrate that the defendant's conduct was not only intentional but also reckless, and that it resulted in severe emotional trauma.

This definition aligns with the nature of accusations of "outrage," which typically involve behaviors that cause emotional harm through shocking or aberrant actions. The other choices, while representing different legal concepts, do not encapsulate the idea of "outrage" in the context of emotional distress. For example, public disturbance pertains to order and peace in society, assault charges relate to physical harm, and false advertising deals with deceptive practices in commercial contexts. Therefore, the choice that most accurately captures the essence of "outrage" in legal terms is the intentional infliction of emotional distress.