quia timet
/ˈkwiːə ˈtɪmɛt/Law
adverb
So as to prevent a probable future injury.
adjective
Of an action, injunction, bill, etc.: brought or granted so as to prevent a probable future injury.
- In earlier use frequently as postpositive..
noun
The principle by which an action, injunction, bill, etc., may be brought or granted quia timet; a quia timet action, injunction, bill, etc.
Origin
Early 17th century; earliest use found in Edward Coke (1552–1634), lawyer, legal writer, and politician. From classical Latin quia because + timet, third person singular present indicative of timēre to fear. The phrase quia timet was probably used earlier in post-classical Latin, but this has not been traced.