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arbitrate

AHR-bih-trayt /ˈɑːrbɪtreɪt/

verbB2SATACTGMAT

formalprofessionallegal

To act as an independent person or body to officially settle a dispute between opposing sides.

Focuses on mediation and finding a resolution, often outside of a traditional courtroom, where both parties agree to abide by the decision.

The story behind the word. The Latin word arbiter originally referred to someone who goes somewhere as a witness or onlooker, and thus is in a position to give an unbiased account of what happened. Over time, this evolved into the concept of a trusted, neutral third party who could settle arguments without dragging everyone into a formal Roman court.

Word relationships

mediate: A mediator helps parties negotiate but cannot impose a decision; an arbitrator has the power to make a binding decision.
reconcile: 'Reconcile' focuses on restoring harmony and friendly relations, whereas 'arbitrate' focuses on reaching a formal, binding settlement.

instigate: 'Instigate' means to provoke or stir up a conflict, while 'arbitrate' means to settle one.

Commonly confused with

adjudicate: 'Adjudicate' is a formal judicial process, whereas 'arbitrate' is a private, alternative dispute resolution method chosen by the parties.

Word family

arbitration (noun): The hearing and determining of a dispute by an impartial referee.
arbitrator (noun): An independent person officially appointed to settle a dispute.

Collocations

arbitrate a dispute
agree to arbitrate
arbitrate labor conflicts

Example sentences

"An independent tribunal was appointed to arbitrate the dispute between the airline and its pilots over working hours." A labor dispute between a union and management.
"I will arbitrate between you, and decide who has the better claim." A classic literary reference to mediation.

Memory hook

Think of a referee in an 'arbitrary' outfit (like black and white stripes) stepping in to break up a fight on the field. Arbiter of peace.

When not to use

Do not use when a judge is making a unilateral ruling in a court of law without the prior consent of the parties to use alternative dispute resolution.

Fun facts

Many modern consumer contracts (like for credit cards or software) contain mandatory arbitration clauses, meaning you agree not to sue them in court, but to arbitrate any issues instead.