v. & n.
--v.
1. intr. (usu. foll. by with, against) a debate, argue (was disputing with them about the meaning of life). b quarrel.
2 tr. discuss, esp. heatedly (disputed whether it was true).
3 tr. question the truth or correctness or validity of (a statement, alleged fact, etc.) (I dispute that number).
4 tr. contend for; strive to win (disputed the crown; disputed the field).
5 tr. resist (a landing, advance, etc.).
--n.
1. a controversy; a debate.
2 a quarrel.
3 a disagreement between management and employees, esp. one leading to industrial action.
Phrases and idioms:
beyond (or past or without) dispute certainly; indisputably. in dispute
1. being argued about.
2 (of a workforce) involved in industrial action.
Derivatives:
disputant n. disputer n.
Etymology: ME f. OF desputer f. L disputare estimate (as DIS-, putare reckon)