referee

UK: ˌrefəˈriː | US: ˌrefəˈriː

Definition

  1. n. an official who oversees a game or match to ensure rules are followed

  2. n. a person appointed to examine and settle a dispute

  3. vt. to act as a referee in a game or dispute

Structure
refer <to direct or submit>ee <person who receives the action>
Etymology

The word "referee" emerged in the 16th century, originally referring to someone appointed to settle disputes (literally "one referred to"). By the 19th century, it gained its sporting sense, reflecting the role of an impartial arbiter. The morphemes refer and -ee logically combine to denote "the person to whom a matter is referred."

Examples

  1. The referee blew the whistle to stop play.

  2. She agreed to referee the debate between the two candidates.

  3. The court appointed a neutral referee to resolve the contract dispute.

  4. Without a referee, the game quickly descended into chaos.

  5. He has been a football referee for over a decade.