An increase by a judge in the amount of damages awarded by a jury.

In some cases in which one side (plaintiff) is seeking money from the other (defendant), amounts awarded by the jury are found insufficient and increased by the judge. The A-word is loved by plaintiffs, hated by defendants.

The power of a trial court to assess damages or to increase the amount of an inadequate award by a jury verdict, as a condition for denial of a motion for a new trial; with consent of defendant, whether or not plaintiff consents to such action.