A Quick and Simple Dictionary

debate

1. Noun.  (obsolete) Strife, discord.
2. Noun.  An argument, or discussion, usually in an ordered or formal setting, often with more than two people, generally ending with a vote or other decision.
3. Noun.  An informal and spirited but generally civil discussion of opposing views.
4. Noun.  (uncountable) Discussion of opposing views.
5. Noun.  (''Frequently in French form ''débat) a type of literary composition, taking the form of a discussion or disputation, commonly found in the vernacular medieval poetry of many European countries, as well as in medieval Latin.
6. Verb.  (obsolete) To fight. (defdate, 14th-17th c.) .
7. Verb.  To participate in a debate; to dispute, argue, especially in a public arena. (defdate, from 14th c.) .