mediation

noun

me·​di·​a·​tion ˌmē-dē-ˈā-shən How to pronounce mediation (audio)
: the act or process of mediating: such as
a
: intervention between conflicting parties to promote reconciliation, settlement, or compromise
The town feud raged until April … when, with the mediation of William N. Byers the dispute was settled and the name of Denver selected for the settlement.Thomas A. Martin
specifically : a means of resolving disputes outside of the judicial system by voluntary participation in negotiations structured by agreement of the parties and usually conducted under the guidance and supervision of a trained intermediary
More couples are considering mediation—or using a mediator to help them reach a compromise—rather than hiring two lawyers who fight it out for their clients. Mary Rowland
b
: indirect conveyance or communication through an intermediary
Islam recognizes no ordination, no sacraments, no priestly mediation between the believer and God.Bernard Lewis
Like any of the other emporiums of the western ocean, Mogadishu had plenty of employment for the commercial brokers … who provided the crucial mediation between the arriving sea merchants and the local wholesalers.Ross E. Dunn
c
: transmission by an intermediate mechanism or agency
The critical role of the hippocampus in the mediation of normal memory processes has been highlighted by the observation that in human patients bilateral damage to the medial temporal lobe, including the hippocampus, produces an extensive and durable amnesia for new information.Raymond P. Kesner et al.
mediational adjective

Examples of mediation in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web If conflict over control persists, give mediation a try. Carolyn Rosenblatt, Forbes, 27 Feb. 2024 Conflict mediation and crisis support 414Life outreach and conflict mediation support: 414-439-5398. Journal Sentinel, 21 Feb. 2024 On the ground floor is a fireside den and, at the top, an open loft space (plus a private bath) that would make for a unique guest room, mediation lounge, or home office. Mark David, Robb Report, 15 Feb. 2024 In a meeting with families of the captives Tuesday, Netanyahu expressed dissatisfaction with the mediation efforts by Qatar, which has deep ties to Hamas leaders. John Bacon, USA TODAY, 25 Jan. 2024 Wall Street Journal The Starbucks Workers United union is now in mediation with the coffee company, with benefit promises on the table including reinstating credit-card tipping to unionized stores. Emma Burleigh, Fortune, 29 Feb. 2024 Announced by both the coffee shop chain and Workers United on Tuesday, the breakthrough came during a mediation last week involving intellectual property rights and trademark litigation. Kate Gibson, CBS News, 27 Feb. 2024 But the United States and its partners can do much more to build leverage ahead of the next phase of mediation in Sudan. John Prendergast, Foreign Affairs, 27 Feb. 2024 Usually all involved share the cost of mediation equally. Carolyn Rosenblatt, Forbes, 27 Feb. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'mediation.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

13th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of mediation was in the 13th century

Dictionary Entries Near mediation

Cite this Entry

“Mediation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/mediation. Accessed 28 Mar. 2024.

Medical Definition

mediation

noun
me·​di·​a·​tion ˌmēd-ē-ˈā-shən How to pronounce mediation (audio)
: the act or process of mediating something (as a physical process)
mediational adjective

Legal Definition

mediation

noun
me·​di·​a·​tion ˌmē-dē-ˈā-shən How to pronounce mediation (audio)
: nonbinding intervention between parties to promote resolution of a grievance, reconciliation, settlement, or compromise compare arbitration
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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