mediation

noun

me·​di·​a·​tion ˌmē-dē-ˈā-shən 

: 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

ˌmē-dē-ˈā-sh(ə-)nəl 

adjective

Examples of mediation in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Restorative justice focuses on repairing harm and making amends — victim-offender mediation is one example — rather than punishment. —Hannah Pinski, The Courier-Journal, 28 Mar. 2024

The case was filed a year ago but was recently paused because of mediation talks planned for a second lawsuit over the ship’s that’s currently before a court in Braunschweig. —Karin Matussek, Fortune Europe, 5 Mar. 2024

As recently as September of last year, all of the parties participated in a day-long private mediation effort but were unsuccessful in reaching an agreement, according to the lawsuit. —Jennifer Van Grove, San Diego Union-Tribune, 23 Feb. 2024

As the lawsuit states, both sides attempted mediation following Tinsley’s alleged breach, but have thus far been unable to do so, resulting in the filing. —Jason Newman, Rolling Stone, 22 Feb. 2024

Oversight Monitor has started a mediation program to improve community and police relations. —Kamal Morgan, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 3 Apr. 2024

Kaylor’s guilty pleas were reached as a result of mediation between the state and defense to charge him with second-degree murder instead of first-degree murder. —Emma Epperly, Idaho Statesman, 25 Mar. 2024

Petrovich continued with his lawsuit and the city entered into mediation over damages. —Joe Rubin, Sacramento Bee, 25 Mar. 2024

If there’s a dispute that can’t be addressed calmly by the passengers involved, Jackson says to seek mediation from a flight attendant. —Erin Clements, Peoplemag, 29 Feb. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

13th century, in the meaning defined above

Medical Definition

mediation

noun

me·​di·​a·​tion ˌmēd-ē-ˈā-shən 

: the act or process of mediating something (as a physical process)

mediational

-shnəl, -shən-ᵊl 

adjective

Legal Definition

mediation

noun

me·​di·​a·​tion ˌmē-dē-ˈā-shən 

: nonbinding intervention between parties to promote resolution of a grievance, reconciliation, settlement, or compromise compare arbitration