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 Words From

• nonme·di·ation noun
• subme·di·ation 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

The AU Commission worked with the UN and other multilateral organisations to construct an "African peace and security architecture" that ranged from proactive diplomacy to avert looming conflicts through to coordinated mediation efforts and peacekeeping operations, all underpinned by norms and principles enshrined in the UN Charter and the AU Constitutive Act.

From BBC

“Fourteen months later, and suddenly, without warning, Young launched a sustained campaign of abusive messages, late-night reminders that he would not ‘forget’ Dr. Sophy, and homophobic slurs,” Sophy’s lawsuit said, adding that Young took out his frustration at the outcome of the mediation on the psychiatrist.

From Los Angeles Times

If anything, she said, she sees ultraconservative officials in those states succeeding in passing laws that make divorces harder to obtain, like extending residency requirements, mandating mediation or parenting seminars, and creating steeper obligations during the pre-trial discovery process.

From Salon

The employee who filed the complaint was able to enter into a mediation with the state agency and their employer.

From Los Angeles Times

Laurent Vinatier, who worked for a Switzerland-based conflict mediation NGO, was arrested in June while gathering what prosecutors say was information on Russia's military.

From BBC

Related Words

• arbitration
• conciliation
• intervention
• negotiation
• reconciliation