v. ad·ju·di·cat·ed, ad·ju·di·cat·ing, ad·ju·di·cates v.tr. 1. To make a decision (in a legal case or proceeding), as where a judge or arbitrator rules on some disputed issue or claim between the parties. 2. To study and settle (a dispute or conflict): The principal adjudicated the students' quarrel. 3. To act as a judge of (a contest or an aspect of a contest). v.intr. 1. To make a decision in a legal case or proceeding: a judge adjudicating on land claims. 2. To study and settle a dispute or conflict. 3. To act as a judge of a contest. [Latin adiūdicāre, adiūdicāt-, to award to (judicially) : ad-, ad- + iūdicāre, to judge (from iūdex, judge; see JUDGE).] ad·ju′di·cation n. ad·judi·ca′tive adj. ad·judi·ca′tor n. |
The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition copyright ©2022 by HarperCollins Publishers. All rights reserved.