arbitrator
UK: ˈɑːbɪtreɪtə | US: ˈɑːrbɪtreɪtər
n. a person chosen to settle a dispute or disagreement between parties; a neutral judge or mediator.
The word traces back to Latin arbiter, which referred to a neutral third party who could witness and judge disputes. Over time, arbitrator evolved in English to specifically denote someone appointed to resolve conflicts. The suffix -ator reinforces the role as an active decision-maker. The core idea of "judging" remains central to its modern meaning.
The labor union and management agreed to appoint an arbitrator to resolve their contract dispute.
As an experienced arbitrator, she was known for her fair and impartial decisions.
The court ordered both parties to present their cases before the arbitrator.
Without an arbitrator, the negotiation might have ended in a deadlock.
His role as arbitrator required him to listen carefully to both sides before making a ruling.