debate

Definitions

1. 1.To contend for in words or arguments; to strive to maintain by reasoning; to dispute; to contest; to discuss; to argue for and against. A wise council . . . that did debate this business. Shak. Debate thy cause with thy neighbor himself. Prov. xxv.
2. 2.See Argue, and Discuss.
3. 3.To engage in strife or combat; to fight. [Obs.] Chaucer. Well could he tourney and in lists debate. Spenser.
4. 4.To contend in words; to dispute; hence, to deliberate; to consider; to discuss or examine different arguments in the mind; -- often followed by on or upon. He presents that great soul debating upon the subject of life and death with his intimate friends. Tatler.
5. 5.A fight or fighting; contest; strife. [Archaic] On the day of the Trinity next ensuing was a great debate . . . and in that murder there were slain . . . fourscore. R. of Gloucester. But question fierce and proud reply Gave signal soon of dire debate. Sir W. Scott.
6. 6.Contention in words or arguments; discussion for the purpose of elucidating truth or influencing action; strife in argument; controversy; as, the debates in Parliament or in Congress. Heard, noted, answer'd, as in full debate. Pope.
7. 7.Subject of discussion. [R.] Statutes and edicts concerning this debate. Milton.

Source: Webster's Unabridged Dictionary, 1913 edition (public domain, via GCIDE / Project Gutenberg).

Synonyms

Related questions

• What does "debate" mean?

Reverse-dictionary questions

Definition-first questions whose answer is debate.

• What is to engage in strife or combat; to fight. [Obs.] Chaucer. Well could he tourney and in lists debate. Spenser called?
• What is subject of discussion. [R.] Statutes and edicts concerning this debate. Milton called?