I. də̇ˈspyüt, usu -üd.+V verb
( -ed/-ing/-s )
Etymology: Middle English disputen, from Old French desputer, from Latin disputare to examine, discuss, from dis- dis- (I) + putare to prune, esteem, consider, think — more at pave
intransitive verb
1. : to contend in argument : argue for or against something asserted or maintained : engage in a disputation : debate
disputing with opposing firms over what constituted ethical trade practices
often : to argue irritably or with irritating persistence : wrangle
a bitter old man much given to disputing over any suggestion made by others
2. obsolete : to struggle against something : fight
transitive verb
1.
a. : to make the subject of disputation : argue pro and con : debate
the charge of treason would be disputed before a government committee
b. : to call into question (as the validity or the existence of something)
its right to issue authoritative orders for the settlement of a conflict is disputed — Economist
the bravery of the people has never been disputed — H.T.Buckle
also : to oppose by argument or assertion : controvert
likely to dispute any propositions not to his liking
c. obsolete : to argue or contend in favor of : maintain
d. obsolete : to influence, persuade, or argue into or out of a belief or action by a process of disputation
2.
a. : to struggle against : oppose , resist
trying to dispute the man's entry into the house
b. : to strive or contend about : contest
dispute a former enemy's possession of land
dispute a victory
during the Revolutionary War this territory was much disputed on both sides of the river — A.C.Flick
the dogs were disputing ownership of a bone — T.B.Costain
Synonyms: see discuss
II. “ also ˈdiˌs- noun
( -s )
1.
a. : verbal controversy : strife by opposing argument or expression of opposing views or claims : controversial discussion : debate ; also : an instance of such controversy
was investigating the frontier disputes of Greece with the adjacent countries — Current Biography
b. : a wrangling altercation : quarrel
2. obsolete : physical combat : struggle , fight
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- in dispute