See Also: dispute(1)(dictionary)
dispute(2)(dictionary)
Dispute(law)
dispute 2, verb(dictionary)
dispute 1, noun(dictionary)
Vilnius dispute(encyclopedia)
Memel dispute(encyclopedia)
Dispute (as used in expressions)(encyclopedia)
Bering Sea Dispute(encyclopedia)
Labor Dispute(law)

dispute(2) (iou)



dispute verb. ME.
[Old French desputer, (also mod.) disputer from Latin disputare estimate, (in late Latin) dispute, formed as DIS- 1 + putare reckon.]
I. verb intrans.
Contend with opposing arguments or assertions; argue; debate hotly, quarrel, have an altercation. (Foll. by about, on, over, against, of, a subject; against, with, an opponent.) ME.
R. W. Emerson He disputed like a devil on these two points. Quiller-Couch Four children..are disputing over a box of wooden soldiers. J. Buchan Always very ready to dispute about philosophy.
Contend physically, esp. by force of arms; struggle. M17-E19.
II. verb trans.
Discuss, debate, or argue (a question or point), esp. heatedly. Foll. by direct obj. or subord. clause ME.
J. Ray I will not dispute what Gravity is. H. Martineau Disputing whether luxury be a virtue or a crime. B. Webb One of the most hotly disputed questions within the Labour Party.
Maintain or defend (an assertion, claim, etc.) by argument or disputation; contend (that something is so). Now rare or obsolete. LME.
Swift And these, she offer'd to dispute, Alone distinguish'd man from brute.
Question the correctness or validity of (a statement or an alleged fact); argue with (a person). E16.
E. Waugh They were disputing the bill. Harper Lee A Cunningham disputed a Coningham over land titles and took to the law.
Contest, strive against, or resist (an action). E17.
Move or influence by disputation, argue or persuade (a person) into or out of. Now rare or obsolete. M17.
Contend or compete for the possession of; strive to gain against opposition. L17.
F. Hoyle They and their men disputed the possession of caves with bears and mountain lions.
disputer noun a person who disputes or is given to disputation LME.