Dispute

Pronunciation

• IPA: /dɪsˈpjuːt/
• Rhymes: -uːt

Origin

From Middle English disputen, from Old French desputer (French disputer), from Latin disputare ("to dispute, discuss, examine, compute, estimate"), from dis- ("apart") + putare ("to reckon, consider, think, originally make clean, clear up"), related to purus ("pure"). Compare compute, count, impute, repute, amputate, etc.

Full definition of dispute

Noun

1. An argument or disagreement, a failure to agree.
2. Verbal controversy; contest by opposing argument or expression of opposing views or claims; controversial discussion; altercation; debate.
• MiltonAddicted more
  To contemplation and profound dispute.
3. Contest; struggle; quarrel.

Synonyms

Verb

1. (intransitive) To contend in argument; to argue against something maintained, upheld, or claimed, by another.
2. (transitive) To make a subject of disputation; to argue pro and con; to discuss.Some residents disputed the proposal, saying it was based more on emotion than fact.
3. To oppose by argument or assertion; to controvert; to express dissent or opposition to; to call in question; to deny the truth or validity of.to dispute assertions or arguments
• Bancroftto seize goods under the disputed authority of writs of assistance
4. To strive or contend about; to contest.
• Prescottto dispute the possession of the ground with the Spaniards
5. (obsolete) To struggle against; to resist.
• ShakespeareDispute it grief like a man.

Related terms

• disputable
• disputant
• disputation
• disputatious
• disputative

Derived terms

• industrial dispute