Act Of God

unpreventable natural catastrophe, such as; an earthquake, tidal wave, volcanic eruption, hurricane, or tornado; an act of God is determined on two grounds: 1) the extent of damage and chaos they wreak 2) the impingement on established contracts, which often state that "acts of God" are admissible excuses for delay or failure to fulfill a commitment; many insurance policies exempt coverage for damage caused by acts of God.