/ ˈkɒntrəvɜːsi; BrE also kənˈtrɒvəsi; NAmE ˈkɑːntrəvɜːrsi/ noun
[ U , C ] ( pl. -ies ) controversy (over / about / surrounding sb/sth) public discussion and argument about sth that many people strongly disagree about, disapprove of, or are shocked by :
to arouse / cause controversy
a bitter controversy over / about the site of the new airport
the controversy surrounding his latest movie
The President resigned amid considerable controversy.
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WORD ORIGIN
late Middle English : from Latin controversia , from controversus turned against, disputed, from contro- (variant of contra- against) + versus , past participle of vertere to turn.