alternative dispute resolution

[ awl-tur-nuh-tiv di-spyoot rez-uh-loo-shuhn, al-tur-nuh-tiv ]

noun

, Law.

1. a method of settling a legal dispute between parties without going to trial, such as by hiring someone to help both parties communicate and settle their dispute. : ADR

Word History and Origins

Origin of alternative dispute resolution¹

First recorded in 1975–80