Translate dispute | into French | into German | into Italian | into Spanish Definition of dispute
noun
a disagreement, argument, or debate:a territorial dispute between the two countries the question in dispute is altogether insignificant a disagreement between management and employees that leads to an action of protest by the employees:if this dispute cannot be resolved quickly, a formal strike is inevitable
verb
[with object] 1argue about (something); discuss heatedly:I disputed the charge on the bill [no object]:he taught and disputed with local poets question whether (a statement or alleged fact) is true or valid:the accusations are not disputed [with clause]:the estate disputes that it is responsible for the embankment
2compete for; strive to win:the two drivers crashed while disputing the lead archaic resist (a landing or advance):I formed my line and prepared to dispute the advance of the foe
