Arbitrate

Part of speech: verb

Pronunciation: /ˈɑːbɪtɹeɪt/

Definitions

1. To hear and judge a dispute between two parties and make a binding decision that both sides must accept
2. To resolve a disagreement by hearing both parties' arguments and reaching a decision that is enforceable by law or agreement
3. To act as a neutral third party in disputes, making determinations that are obligatory for the disputants to follow

Etymology: The verb "arbitrate" comes from Latin "arbitrari," meaning "to be a witness" or "to act as umpire," and the Latin word it grew from, "arbiter," meant a judge or umpire. The original sense was closer to watching a contest and giving a ruling than to deciding anything on one's own authority. Latin "arbiter" itself reached back to a root tied to witnessing and presence, so the idea of a person who sees what happened and can speak to it sits at the heart of the word. English took the verb from the past participle "arbitratus," so the modern sense of settling a dispute between parties preserves the umpire's role almost exactly. The "arbiter" that English borrowed alongside it kept the same meaning of a judge with final say, which is why an arbiter of taste is still someone whose verdict others accept.

Synonyms: mediate, judge, settle, decide, resolve

Antonyms: dispute, ignore, oppose, contest, prolong