de•batedɪˈbeɪt(n.; v.)-bat•ed, -bat•ing.

1. (n.)a discussion, esp. of a public question in an assembly, involving opposing viewpoints.

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

3. deliberation; consideration.

4. (v.i.)to engage in argument or discussion.

5. to participate in a formal debate.

6. to deliberate; consider.

7. (v.t.)to argue or discuss (a question, issue, or the like), as in an assembly.

8. to dispute or disagree about.

9. to engage in formal argumentation with.

10. to deliberate upon; consider.

Origin of debate:

1250–1300; < OF de-de - +batre to beat < L batt(u)ere

de•bat′ing•ly(adv.)