Synonym: argue, discuss, dispute, reason. Similar words: date back to, debut, bat, debris, give back, baths, combat, double back. Meaning: [dɪ'beɪt] 
n. 1. a discussion in which reasons are advanced for and against some proposition or proposal 2. the formal presentation of and opposition to a stated proposition (usually followed by a vote). v. 1. argue with one another 2. think about carefully; weigh 3. discuss the pros and cons of an issue 4. have an argument about something.
n. 1. a discussion in which reasons are advanced for and against some proposition or proposal 2. the formal presentation of and opposition to a stated proposition (usually followed by a vote). v. 1. argue with one another 2. think about carefully; weigh 3. discuss the pros and cons of an issue 4. have an argument about something. 211, I found his speech wholly apposite to the current debate.
212, The moderator invoked a rule causing the debate to be ended.
213, We then got down to the real meat of the debate .
214, Genetic engineering is very much a subject for debate .
215, Today the school finds itself in the midst of a very public debate.
216, There had been much debate on the issue of childcare.