debate in WordNet English dictionary

1. have an argument about something
   argue  contend  debate  fence 
   
2. think about carefully; weigh
   "They considered the possibility of a strike"; "Turn the proposal over in your mind"
   consider  debate  moot  turn over  deliberate 
   
3. argue with one another
   "We debated the question of abortion"; "John debated Mary"
   debate 
   
4. discuss the pros and cons of an issue
   debate  deliberate 
   

1. a discussion in which reasons are advanced for and against some proposition or proposal
   "the argument over foreign aid goes on and on"
   argument  argumentation  debate 
   
2. the formal presentation of a stated proposition and the opposition to it (usually followed by a vote)
   debate  disputation  public debate