arbiter

[ahr-bi-ter]

noun

1. a person empowered to decide matters at issue; judge; umpire.

2. a person who has the sole or absolute power of judging or determining.

arbiter

/ ˈɑːbɪtə /

noun

1. a person empowered to judge in a dispute; referee; arbitrator

2. a person having complete control of something

Other Word Forms

• superarbiter noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of arbiter¹

1350–1400; Middle English arbitour, arbitre < Anglo-French, Old French < Latin arbiter

Word History and Origins

Origin of arbiter¹

C15: from Latin, of obscure origin

Example Sentences

It has been an extraordinary run of attacks using levers of power that have been seen as sacred arbiters of the public trust for decades, scholars and historians say.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Whether you still see – or ever saw – Vogue as an arbiter of good taste, or reflection of our times, depends on who you talk to.

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It’s both the arbiter of the record industry and a mercurial tech giant that only became profitable last year while spinning off enormous wealth for Ek.

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Particularly in the entertainment industry, where careers are made on YouTube, TikTok influencers are cultural arbiters and the number of one’s Instagram followers can determine whether they get the job or not.

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The highest arbiter of what is just and lawful gave the president a free pass to do crimes.

Read more on Salon

Related Words

• arbitrator 
• go-between 
• mediator 
• moderator 
• referee