mediate

views updated

me·di·ate • v. / ˈmēdēˌāt/ 1. [intr.] intervene between people in a dispute in order to bring about an agreement or reconciliation: Wilson attempted to mediate between the powers to end the war. ∎  [tr.] intervene in (a dispute) to bring about an agreement. ∎  [tr.] bring about (an agreement or solution) by intervening in a dispute: efforts to mediate a peaceful resolution of the conflict.2. [tr.] technical bring about (a result such as a physiological effect): the right hemisphere plays an important role in mediating tactile perception of direction. ∎  be a means of conveying: this important ministry of mediating the power of the word. ∎  form a connecting link between: structures that mediate gender divisions.• adj. / ˈmēdēət/ connected indirectly through another person or thing; involving an intermediate agency: public law institutions are a type of mediate state administration.DERIVATIVES: me·di·ate·ly / ˈmēdēətlē/ adv.me·di·a·tion / ˌmēdēˈāshən/ n.me·di·a·tor / ˈmēdēˌātər/ n.me·di·a·to·ry / ˈmēdēəˌtôrē/ adj.

About this article

mediate

Updated About encyclopedia.com content Print Article