Dispute, v. t.
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.
1 more senses
Syn. -- To controvert; contest; gainsay; doubt; question; argue; debate; discuss; impugn. See Argue.
2 other Webster entries under this spelling
Dispute, v. i. [imp. & p. p. Disputed; p. pr. & vb. n. Disputing.]
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.
Dispute, n.
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. Beyond dispute, Without dispute, indisputably; incontrovertibly.
Syn. -- Altercation; controversy; argumentation; debate; discussion; quarrel; disagreement; difference; contention; wrangling. See Altercation.