How does Illinois law define assault?

Illinois law defines assault primarily as an intentional act that creates reasonable apprehension of imminent harmful or offensive contact in another person. This definition emphasizes the importance of the victim's perception of threat; it does not necessitate that physical contact actually occurs for the act to be classified as assault. The focus is on the fear or apprehension generated by the perpetrator's actions, aligning with the legal principle that a person can be held liable for creating a fear of harm even if no injury physically results.

In contrast, the other options reference aspects that do not fully encompass the legal definition. The intentional act causing physical injury denotes battery rather than assault since it involves actual harm. A verbal threat without physical action lacks the crucial component of creating reasonable apprehension of imminent threat. Finally, a physical act resulting in bodily harm also aligns more closely with the definition of battery, where harm does occur. Thus, the correct answer captures the essence of assault as it applies under Illinois law.