Dictionary.com Unabridged (v 1.1) - Cite This Source - Share This

American Heritage Dictionary - Cite This Source - Share This

dis·pute       (dĭ-spyōōt')  Pronunciation Key  v.   dis·put·ed, dis·put·ing, dis·putes v.   tr. To argue about; debate. To question the truth or validity of; doubt: Her friends disputed her intentions. To strive to win (a prize, for example); contest for: Our team disputed the visitors' claim to the championship. To strive against; resist: disputed the actions of his competitors. v.   intr. To engage in discussion or argument; debate. See Synonyms at discuss. To quarrel angrily. n.   A verbal controversy; a debate. An angry altercation; a quarrel. See Synonyms at argument. [Middle English disputen, from Old French desputer, from Latin disputāre, to examine : dis-, apart; see dis- + putāre, to reckon; see pau-2 in Indo-European roots.] dis·put'er n.

Online Etymology Dictionary - Cite This Source - Share This
dispute 

WordNet - Cite This Source - Share This

dispute
noun
1.	a disagreement or argument about something important; "he had a dispute with his wife"; "there were irreconcilable differences"; "the familiar conflict between Republicans and Democrats"
2.	coming into conflict with
verb
1.	take exception to; "She challenged his claims" [syn: challenge]
2.	have a disagreement over something; "We quarreled over the question as to who discovered America"; "These two fellows are always scrapping over something" [syn: quarrel]

American Heritage Dictionary of Idioms - Cite This Source - Share This

dispute

see in dispute.

Merriam-Webster's Dictionary of Law - Cite This Source - Share This
Main Entry: dis·pute
Pronunciation: di-'spyüt
Function: verb
Inflected Forms: dis·put·ed; dis·put·ing
intransitive verb : to engage in a dispute <disputing with management over contract terms> transitive verb : to engage in a dispute over <disputing the correct application of the contract provision>; especially : to oppose by argument or assertion <disputed changes to the grievance procedure> —dis·put·able /di-'spyü-t&-b&l, 'dis-py&-t&-b&l/ adjective

Merriam-Webster's Dictionary of Law - Cite This Source - Share This
Main Entry: dispute
Function: noun
: an assertion of opposing views or claims : a disagreement as to rights; especially : one that is the subject of proceedings for resolution (as arbitration)

Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary - Cite This Source - Share This

Dispute

Dis*pute"\, v. i. [imp. & p. p. Disputed; p. pr. & vb. n. Disputing.] [OE. desputen, disputen, OF. desputer, disputer, F. disputer, from L. disputare, disputatum; dis- + putare to clean; hence, fig., to clear up, set in order, reckon, think. See Putative, Pure.] 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.

Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary - Cite This Source - Share This

Dispute

Dis*pute"\, 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.

Syn: To controvert; contest; gainsay; doubt; question; argue; debate; discuss; impugn. See Argue.

Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary - Cite This Source - Share This

Dispute

Dis*pute"\, n. [Cf. F. dispute. See Dispute, v. i.]

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.