a discussion, as of a public question in an assembly, involving opposing viewpoints

a debate in the Senate on farm price supports.

a formal contest in which the affirmative and negative sides of a proposition are advocated by opposing speakers.

deliberation; consideration.

Archaic . strife; contention.

to engage in argument or discussion, as in a legislative or public assembly

When we left, the men were still debating.

to participate in a formal debate.

to deliberate; consider

I debated with myself whether to tell them the truth or not.

Obsolete . to fight; quarrel.

to argue or discuss (a question, issue, or the like), as in a legislative or public assembly

They debated the matter of free will.

to dispute or disagree about

The homeowners debated the value of a road on the island.

to engage in formal argumentation or disputation with (another person, group, etc.)

Jones will debate Smith. Harvard will debate Princeton.

to deliberate upon; consider

He debated his decision in the matter.

Archaic . to contend for or over.