act of God

Legal term meaning some sudden and irresistible act of nature that could not reasonably have been foreseen or prevented, such as floods or exceptionally high tides, storms, lightning, earthquakes, sharp frosts, or sudden death.

Damage by such an occurrence may be attributed to the act of God, and in the absence of any contract to the contrary, no person can be held liable for it. Nearly all insurance forms and shipping charter parties, and most contracts, have a clause relating to nonliability in the case of an act of God.