mediation
Americannoun
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action in mediating between parties, as to effect an agreement or reconciliation.
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International Law. an attempt to effect a peaceful settlement between disputing nations through the friendly good offices of another power.
noun
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the act of mediating; intercession
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international law an attempt to reconcile disputed matters arising between states, esp by the friendly intervention of a neutral power
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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
Usage
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.
Related Words
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.
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of mediation
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; see mediate) + -iō -ion
Explanation
When two sides disagree, it's time for mediation — a process where someone uninvolved helps settle a dispute. You often hear about mediation in the world of labor unions. If the employer and the union can't agree, they might go to mediation — they'll let some impartial third party settle the issue. The goal of mediation is to reach an agreement or a settlement. The U.S. often tries to provide mediation between countries that have problems, like India and Pakistan. Mediation is sometimes like negotiation. Both sides will be expected to compromise, or they'll never be able to move forward.
Vocabulary lists containing mediation
Economics
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"Principles of Business," Vocabulary from Chapter 15
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Crime and Punishment
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Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
The hearing, conducted by a three-person panel, will be managed by Sport Resolutions, an independent mediation company.
From BBC • May 14, 2026
The deal, announced this week, would compensate survivors who filed claims under New York’s Child Victims Act and comes after years of litigation and mediation.
From Salon • May 3, 2026
“The market’s immediate focus remains on mediation efforts, with a new Iranian proposal reportedly under consideration by the U.S. administration,” the team added.
From Barron's • Apr. 28, 2026
When the case finally settled in mediation, the father asked if he could give her a hug.
From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 23, 2026
I had agreed to international mediation, and on April 13 a dele-gation arrived led by Lord Carrington, the former British foreign secretary, and Henry Kissinger, the former American secretary of state.
From "Long Walk to Freedom" by Nelson Mandela
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
