[dɪˈbeɪt], (Noun)

Definitions:
- a formal discussion on a particular matter in a public meeting or legislative assembly, in which opposing arguments are put forward and which usually ends with a vote
(e.g: last night's debate on the Education Bill)


Phrases:
- be open to debate
- under debate

Origin:
Middle English: via Old French from Latin dis- (expressing reversal) + battere ‘to fight’

[dɪˈbeɪt], (Verb)

Definitions:
- argue about (a subject), especially in a formal manner
(e.g: MPs debated the issue in the Commons)


Phrases:
- be open to debate
- under debate

Origin:
Middle English: via Old French from Latin dis- (expressing reversal) + battere ‘to fight’