dispute Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. noun a disagreement or argument about something important
    difference of opinion; difference; conflict.
    • he had a dispute with his wife
    • there were irreconcilable differences
    • the familiar conflict between Republicans and Democrats
  2. noun coming into conflict with
    contravention.
  3. verb take exception to
    challenge; gainsay.
    • She challenged his claims
  4. verb have a disagreement over something
    argufy; altercate; scrap; quarrel.
    • We quarreled over the question as to who discovered America
    • These two fellows are always scrapping over something

WordNet

Dis*pute" intransitive verb
Etymology
OE. desputen, disputen, OF. desputer, disputer, F. disputer, from L. disputare, disputatum; dis- + putare to clean; hence, fig., to clear up, set in order, reckon, think. See Putative, Pure.
Wordforms
imperfect & past participle Disputed; present participle & verbal noun Disputing
Definitions
  1. To contend in argument; to argue against something maintained, upheld, or claimed, by another; to discuss; to reason; to debate; to altercate; to wrangle.
    Therefore disputed [reasoned, Rev. Ver.] he in synagogue with the Jews. Acts xvii. 17.
Dis*pute" transitive verb
Definitions
  1. To make a subject of disputation; to argue pro and con; to discuss.
    The rest I reserve it be disputed how the magistrate is to do herein. Milton.
  2. To oppose by argument or assertion; to attempt to overthrow; to controvert; to express dissent or opposition to; to call in question; to deny the truth or validity of; as, to dispute assertions or arguments.
    To seize goods under the disputed authority of writs of assistance. Bancroft.
  3. To strive or contend about; to contest.
    To dispute the possession of the ground with the Spaniards. Prescott.
  4. To struggle against; to resist. Obs.
    Dispute it [grief] like a man. Shak.
    Syn. -- To controvert; contest; gainsay; doubt; question; argue; debate; discuss; impugn. See Argue.
Dis*pute" noun
Etymology
Cf. F. dispute. See Dispute, v. i.
Definitions
  1. Verbal controversy; contest by opposing argument or expression of opposing views or claims; controversial discussion; altercation; debate.
    Addicted more To contemplation and profound dispute. Milton.
  2. Contest; struggle; quarrel. De Foe. Syn. -- Altercation; controversy; argumentation; debate; discussion; quarrel; disagreement; difference; contention; wrangling. See Altercation.

Webster 1913