Meaning

• An argument, or discussion, usually in an ordered or formal setting, often with more than two people, generally ending with a vote or other decision.

  "After a four-hour debate, the committee voted to table the motion."

• An informal and spirited but generally civil discussion of opposing views.

  "The debate over the age of the universe is thousands of years old."

• Discussion of opposing views.

  "There has been considerable debate concerning exactly how to format these articles."

• (frequently in the French form débat) A type of literary composition, taking the form of a discussion or disputation, commonly found in the vernacular medieval poetry of many European countries, as well as in medieval Latin.

• Strife, discord.

Meaning

• To participate in a debate; to dispute, argue, especially in a public arena.

  ""Debate me, coward!" snarled the completely normal intellectual."

• To fight.

• To engage in combat for; to strive for.

• To consider (to oneself), to think over, to attempt to decide

  "He was debating where he'd spend his holiday."