mediation

[mee-dee-ey-shuhn]

noun

1. action in mediating between parties, as to effect an agreement or reconciliation.

2. International Law.,  an attempt to effect a peaceful settlement between disputing nations through the friendly good offices of another power.

mediation

/ ˌmiːdɪˈeɪʃən /

noun

1. the act of mediating; intercession

2. international law an attempt to reconcile disputed matters arising between states, esp by the friendly intervention of a neutral power

3. a method of resolving an industrial dispute whereby a third party consults with those involved and recommends a solution which is not, however, binding on the parties

mediation

1. The attempt to settle a dispute through a neutral party.

Other Word Forms

• nonmediation noun
• submediation noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of mediation¹

First recorded in 1350–1400; Middle English, from Medieval Latin mediātiōn-, stem of mediātiō “division in the middle, intervention,” from mediāt(us) “divided in the middle” (past participle of mediāre; mediate ) + -iō -ion

Synonym Study

Mediation, arbitration designate processes for bringing about agreement or reconciliation between opponents in a dispute. Mediation implies deliberation that results in solutions that may or may not be accepted by the contending parties. Arbitration involves a more formal deliberation, it being understood that the results will be binding on the contending parties.

Example Sentences

US mediation became possible because of Russia's weakened position in the South Caucasus.

From BBC

The team states the facility will also feature an outdoor spa, indoor hydrotherapy suites, dedicated nap rooms, wellness spaces for yoga or mediation, and extensive use of natural light and retractable doors.

From Los Angeles Times

The couple were freed through Qatari mediation, after they were transferred from Kabul's central prison to a larger prison during the final phase of negotiations, the official said.

From BBC

In response to the strike, Qatar had threatened to suspend its longtime mediation efforts between Hamas and Israel.

From Los Angeles Times

It has hosted repeated mediation efforts between Hamas and Israel over the last 23 months of the war.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• arbitration 
• conciliation 
• intervention 
• negotiation 
• reconciliation 

When To Use

What does mediation mean?

Mediation is the act or process of mediating—helping to settle a dispute or create agreement when there is conflict between two or more people or groups by acting as an intermediary or go-between for those parties.A person who acts as an intermediary or go-between in this way can be called a mediator. Mediation always involves a mediator acting as an impartial third party to guide the communication between the conflicting parties.Sometimes, mediation happens in an informal way. You might help two friends participate in an informal mediation to help settle an argument. But the word is perhaps most commonly used in more specific ways in formal situations, such as mediation between a company and its striking employees or mediation between spouses who are getting divorced.When mediation occurs in an official or legal context, such as when it has been ordered by a judge, it is often called arbitration. Arbitration usually involves a decision that the parties are bound by. Mediation is typically less formal and usually involves suggestions for settling differences, as opposed to binding decisions.Example: I know you two have your differences, so I recommend engaging in some formal mediation to see if you can come to an understanding.