To make a formal judgment or decision about a disputed matter; to act as a judge in resolving conflicts or determining outcomes. Often used in legal contexts but can apply to any formal decision-making process.
From Latin 'adjudicare,' from 'ad-' (to) + 'judicare' (to judge), which comes from 'judex' (judge). The word maintains its legal origins, referring to the formal process of making judicial decisions.
Break it down: 'AD-JUDGE-icate' - you're acting as a judge! Think of a referee adjudicating a disputed call in sports - they make the official decision that settles the matter.
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