debates

noun
  1. 1

    An argument, or discussion, usually in an ordered or formal setting, often with more than two people, generally ending with a vote or other decision.

    After a four-hour debate, the committee voted to table the motion.

  2. 2

    An informal and spirited but generally civil discussion of opposing views.

    The debate over the age of the universe is thousands of years old.

  3. 3

    Discussion of opposing views.

    There has been considerable debate concerning exactly how to format these articles.

  4. 4

    (frequently in the French form débat) A type of literary composition, taking the form of a discussion or disputation, commonly found in the vernacular medieval poetry of many European countries, as well as in medieval Latin.

  5. 5

    Strife, discord.

verb
  1. 1

    To participate in a debate; to dispute, argue, especially in a public arena.

    "Debate me, coward!" snarled the completely normal intellectual.

  2. 2

    To fight.

  3. 3

    To engage in combat for; to strive for.

  4. 4

    To consider (to oneself), to think over, to attempt to decide

    He was debating where he'd spend his holiday.

Source: https://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/debate, https://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/debates