noun , verb
■ noun
/ dɪˈspjuːt; NAmE ; ˈdɪspjuːt/ [ C , U ] dispute (between A and B) | dispute (over / about sth) an argument or a disagreement between two people, groups or countries; discussion about a subject where there is disagreement :
a dispute between the two countries about the border
the latest dispute over fishing rights
industrial / pay disputes
The union is in dispute with management over working hours.
The cause of the accident was still in dispute (= being argued about) .
The matter was settled beyond dispute by the court judgment (= it could no longer be argued about) .
His theories are open to dispute (= can be disagreed with) .
■ verb /dɪˈspjuːt/
1.
to question whether sth is true and valid :
[ vn ]
These figures have been disputed.
to dispute a decision / claim
The family wanted to dispute the will.
[ v that ]
No one is disputing that there is a problem.
[also v wh- ]
2.
to argue or disagree strongly with sb about sth, especially about who owns sth :
[ vn ]
disputed territory
The issue remains hotly disputed .
[also v ]
3.
[ vn ] to fight to get control of sth or to win sth :
On the last lap three runners were disputing the lead.
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WORD ORIGIN
Middle English : via Old French from Latin disputare to estimate (in late Latin to dispute), from dis- apart + putare reckon.