mediation

/midiˈeɪʃɪn/

/midiˈeɪʃən/

Other forms: mediations

When two sides disagree, it's time for mediation — a process where someone uninvolved helps settle a dispute.

You often hear about mediation in the world of labor unions. If the employer and the union can't agree, they might go to mediation — they'll let some impartial third party settle the issue. The goal of mediation is to reach an agreement or a settlement. The U.S. often tries to provide mediation between countries that have problems, like India and Pakistan. Mediation is sometimes like negotiation. Both sides will be expected to compromise, or they'll never be able to move forward.

Definitions of mediation

1. noun

   the act of intervening for the purpose of bringing about a settlement
   synonyms: intermediation

   types:

   matchmaking

   mediation in order to bring about a marriage between others

   type of:

   intercession, intervention

   the act of intervening (as to mediate a dispute, etc.)
2. noun

   a negotiation to resolve differences that is conducted by some impartial party
   types:

   arbitration

   (law) the hearing and determination of a dispute by an impartial referee agreed to by both parties (often used to settle disputes between labor and management)

   conciliation

   any of various forms of mediation whereby disputes may be settled short of arbitration

   umpirage

   mediation by an umpire

   type of:

   dialogue, negotiation, talks

   a discussion intended to produce an agreement