De·bate v. t. [imp. & p. p. Debated; p. pr. & vb. n. Debating.]
1. To engage in combat for; to strive for.
Volunteers . . . thronged to serve under his banner, and the cause of religion was debated with the same ardor in Spain as on the plains of Palestine. --Prescott.
2. To contend for in words or arguments; to strive to maintain by reasoning; to dispute; to contest; to discuss; to argue for and against.
A wise council . . . that did debate this business. --Shak.
Debate thy cause with thy neighbor himself. --Prov. xxv. 9.
Syn: -- To argue; discuss; dispute; controvert. See Argue, and Discuss.