mediates; mediated; mediating
1
a
: to work with opposing sides in an argument or dispute in order to get an agreement
He has been appointed by the government to mediate (in the dispute) between the company and the striking workers.
(US)
He has been appointed to mediate the dispute.
b
: to get (something, such as a settlement or agreement) by working with opposing sides in a dispute
He is attempting to mediate a settlement between the company and the striking workers.
Negotiators are trying to mediate a cease-fire.
2
formal + technical
: to have an effect or influence in causing (something) to happen
—usually used as (be) mediated
The study indicates that human aggression is partly mediated by biological factors.
Cite this Entry
“Mediate.” Merriam-Webster.com Simple Definition, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/simple/mediate. Accessed 21 Apr. 2026.
Copy Citation
