1. (

• debate ,
• disputation ,
• public_debate

) the formal presentation of a stated proposition and the opposition to it (usually followed by a vote) ;

2. (

• controversy ,
• contention ,
• contestation ,
• disputation ,
• disceptation ,
• tilt ,
• argument ,
• arguing

) a contentious speech act; a dispute where there is strong disagreement; "they were involved in a violent argument" ;