arbiter

[ahr-bi-ter]

noun

1. a person empowered to decide matters at issue; judge; umpire.

2. a person who has the sole or absolute power of judging or determining.

arbiter

/ ˈɑːbɪtə /

noun

1. a person empowered to judge in a dispute; referee; arbitrator

2. a person having complete control of something

Other Word Forms

• superarbiter noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of arbiter¹

1350–1400; Middle English arbitour, arbitre < Anglo-French, Old French < Latin arbiter

Word History and Origins

Origin of arbiter¹

C15: from Latin, of obscure origin

Example Sentences

It’s both the arbiter of the record industry and a mercurial tech giant that only became profitable last year while spinning off enormous wealth for Ek.

From Los Angeles Times

Particularly in the entertainment industry, where careers are made on YouTube, TikTok influencers are cultural arbiters and the number of one’s Instagram followers can determine whether they get the job or not.

From Los Angeles Times

The highest arbiter of what is just and lawful gave the president a free pass to do crimes.

From Salon

"You have appointed yourselves as the sole arbiters of what should be done about climate change, bound neither by the principles of democracy nor the rule of law."

From BBC

But it arose concurrently with the Enlightenment, and one of its less remarked-upon features was the idea of the state as an entity above the interest of individuals, a kind of neutral arbiter.

From Salon

Related Words

• arbitrator 
• go-between 
• mediator 
• moderator 
• referee