debate
debate [dĭ-bātʹ] verb
debated, debating, debates
verb, intransitive
1. To consider something; deliberate.
2. To engage in argument by discussing opposing points.
3. To engage in a formal discussion or argument. See synonyms at discuss.
4. Obsolete. To fight or quarrel.
verb, transitive
1. To deliberate on; consider.
2. To dispute or argue about.
3. To discuss or argue [a question, for example] formally.
4. Obsolete. To fight or argue for or over.
noun
1. A discussion involving opposing points; an argument.
2. Deliberation; consideration: passed the motion with little debate.
3. A formal contest of argumentation in which two opposing teams defend and attack a given proposition.
4. Obsolete. Conflict; strife.
[Middle English debaten, from Old French debatre : de-, de- + battre, to beat. See batter1.]
debateʹment noun
debatʹer noun