arbitrate

[ahr-bi-treyt]

verb (used with object)

arbitrated, arbitrating 

1. to decide as arbitrator or arbiter; determine.

2. to submit to arbitration; settle by arbitration.

   to arbitrate a dispute.

verb (used without object)

arbitrated, arbitrating 

1. to act as arbitrator or arbiter; decide between opposing or contending parties or sides.

2. to submit a matter to arbitration.

arbitrate

/ ˈɑːbɪˌtreɪt /

verb

1. to settle or decide (a dispute); achieve a settlement between parties

2. to submit to or settle by arbitration

Other Word Forms

• arbitrable adjective
• arbitrator noun
• arbitrative adjective
• rearbitrate verb
• unarbitrated adjective
• unarbitrative adjective
• well-arbitrated adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of arbitrate¹

First recorded in 1580–90; from Latin arbitrātus “decided, judged,” past participle of arbitrārī “to decide, judge,” from arbit(e)r arbiter

Word History and Origins

Origin of arbitrate¹

C16: from Latin arbitrāri to give judgment; see _arbiter

Example Sentences

“If the NFL Constitution were to bind former employees, the Commissioner could essentially pick and choose which disputes to arbitrate,” the ruling stated.

From Los Angeles Times

The complexities mean courts and tribunals have frequently been called on to arbitrate.

From BBC

He said the review did not and “could not arbitrate on whether or not Israel has breached international humanitarian law”.

From BBC

Finally, in 1872, with Germany’s Kaiser Wilhelm arbitrating, the San Juan Islands were granted to the United States.

From Seattle Times

It's hard to say, and I will leave it to more influential jungle heads, and the infinitely wise question setters on University Challenge, to arbitrate.

From BBC

Related Words

• adjudicate 
• interpose 
• intervene 
• mediate 
• straighten out 

When To Use

What does arbitrate mean?

To arbitrate is to act as an arbitrator—an independent, impartial third party that works to settle a dispute between two opposing sides, often by making a decision that they both agree to.This process is called arbitration. Arbitrate can also mean to engage in arbitration, as in If we can’t come to an agreement, we may need to arbitrate.For a process to be considered arbitration, it must involve an arbitrator, which can be a single person or a team of people.The terms arbitrate and arbitration are especially used in the context of negotiations between businesses and labor unions. When the two sides can’t agree and negotiations are unproductive, they may agree or be ordered to arbitrate.An arbitration process in which the arbitrator’s decision must be accepted by both parties is sometimes called binding arbitration—meaning the arbitrator’s decision is final and legally binding.The word arbitrate can also be used in a more general way meaning "to determine or settle a dispute," similar to the word mediate. However, arbitrate often implies that the process is a formal one.Example: After weeks of negotiations stalled and resulted in an impasse, the two sides agreed to enter arbitration.