de·bate
(dĭ-bāt́)
[Middle English debaten, from Old French debatre, de-, de-, + battre, to beat; see batter1.]
verb: -bat·ed, -bat·ing, -bates.
intransitive verb
- To consider something; deliberate.
- To engage in argument by discussing opposing points.
- To engage in a formal discussion or argument. See synonyms at discuss
- Obsolete To fight or quarrel.
transitive verb
- To deliberate on; consider.
- To dispute or argue about.
- To discuss or argue (a question, for example) formally.
- Obsolete To fight or argue for or over.
noun
- A discussion involving opposing points; an argument.
- Deliberation; consideration: passed the motion with little debate.
- A formal contest of argumentation in which two opposing teams defend and attack a given proposition.
- Obsolete Conflict; strife.
derivatives
- de·batément
- noun
- de·bat́er
- noun
