'Debate' definitions:

Definition of 'debate'

From: WordNet
noun
A discussion in which reasons are advanced for and against some proposition or proposal; "the argument over foreign aid goes on and on" [syn: argument, argumentation, debate]
noun
The formal presentation of a stated proposition and the opposition to it (usually followed by a vote) [syn: debate, disputation, public debate]
verb
Argue with one another; "We debated the question of abortion"; "John debated Mary"
verb
Think about carefully; weigh; "They considered the possibility of a strike"; "Turn the proposal over in your mind" [syn: consider, debate, moot, turn over, deliberate]
verb
Discuss the pros and cons of an issue [syn: debate, deliberate]
verb
Have an argument about something [syn: argue, contend, debate, fence]

Definition of 'Debate'

From: GCIDE
  • Debate \De*bate"\, v. i.
  • 1. To engage in strife or combat; to fight. [Obs.] --Chaucer. [1913 Webster]
  • Well could he tourney and in lists debate. --Spenser. [1913 Webster]
  • 2. 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. [1913 Webster]
  • He presents that great soul debating upon the subject of life and death with his intimate friends. --Tatler. [1913 Webster]

Definition of 'Debate'

From: GCIDE
  • Debate \De*bate"\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Debated; p. pr. & vb. n. Debating.] [OF. debatre, F. d['e]battre; L. de + batuere to beat. See Batter, v. t., and cf. Abate.]
  • 1. To engage in combat for; to strive for. [1913 Webster]
  • Volunteers . . . thronged to serve under his banner, and the cause of religion was debated with the same ardor in Spain as on the plains of Palestine. --Prescott. [1913 Webster]
  • 2. To contend for in words or arguments; to strive to maintain by reasoning; to dispute; to contest; to discuss; to argue for and against. [1913 Webster]
  • A wise council . . . that did debate this business. --Shak. [1913 Webster]
  • Debate thy cause with thy neighbor himself. --Prov. xxv. 9.
  • Syn: To argue; discuss; dispute; controvert. See Argue, and Discuss. [1913 Webster]

Definition of 'Debate'

From: GCIDE
  • Debate \De*bate"\, n. [F. d['e]bat, fr. d['e]battre. See Debate, v. t.]
  • 1. A fight or fighting; contest; strife. [Archaic] [1913 Webster]
  • On the day of the Trinity next ensuing was a great debate . . . and in that murder there were slain . . . fourscore. --R. of Gloucester. [1913 Webster]
  • But question fierce and proud reply Gave signal soon of dire debate. --Sir W. Scott. [1913 Webster]
  • 2. 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. [1913 Webster]
  • Heard, noted, answer'd, as in full debate. --Pope. [1913 Webster]
  • 3. Subject of discussion. [R.] [1913 Webster]
  • Statutes and edicts concerning this debate. --Milton. [1913 Webster]

Synonyms of 'debate'

From: Moby Thesaurus