Business Glossary

violent and catastrophic event caused by forces of nature, which could not have been prevented or avoided by foresight or prudence. An act of God that makes performance of a contractual duty impossible may excuse performance of that duty.

natural occurrence beyond human control or influence. Such acts of nature include hurricanes, earthquakes, and floods.

an unpreventable destructive occurrence of the natural world.

Example: A contract has a provision that allows the buyer to default if the property is damaged by an act of God.

Examples of an act of God are:

• earthquake
• flood
• hurricane
• lightning
• tornado