I have deleted remarks that do not support my definition but link is available:
de·bate (d-bt)
v. de·bat·ed, de·bat·ing, de·bates
v.intr.
1. To consider something; deliberate.
2.
To engage in argument by discussing opposing points3. To engage in a formal discussion or argument. See Synonyms at discuss.
4. Obsolete
To fight or quarrel.v.tr.
1.
2.
To dispute or argue about. 3.
4. Obsolete
To fight or argue for or over. n.
1.
A discussion involveing opposing points; an argument.2. Deliberation; consideration: passed the motion with little debate.
3.
A formal contest of argument in which two opposing teams defend and attack a vigen proposition.4. Obsolete
Conflict;strife.[Middle English debaten, from Old French debatre : de-, de- + battre,
to beat;see batter1 de·batement n.
de·bater n.
debate
Noun
1.
2. a formal discussion, as in a parliament, in which opposing arguments are put forward
Verb
[-bating, -bated]
1.
2.
Noun 1.
argumentation, argument
2. debate - the formal presentation of a stated proposition and the opposition to it (usually followed by a vote)
disputation, public debate
oral presentation, public speaking, speechmaking, speaking - delivering an address to a public audience; "people came to see the candidates and hear the speechmaking"
Verb 1. debate - argue with one another; "We debated the question of abortion"; "John debated Mary"
deliberate, moot, debate, consider, turn over - think about carefully; weigh; "They considered the possibility of a strike"; "Turn the proposal over in your mind"
2. debate - think about carefully; weigh; "They considered the possibility of a strike"; "Turn the proposal over in your mind"
deliberate, moot, consider, turn over
see - deliberate or decide; "See whether you can come tomorrow"; "let's see--which movie should we see tonight?"
premeditate - consider, ponder, or plan (an action) beforehand; "premeditated murder"
debate -
argue with one another "We debated the question of abortion"; "John debated Mary"
wrestle - engage in deep thought, consideration, or debate; "I wrestled with this decision for years"
hash out, talk over, discuss - speak with others about (something); talk (something) over in detail; have a discussion; "We discussed our household budget"
think twice - consider and reconsider carefully; "Think twice before you have a child"
consider, study - give careful consideration to; "consider the possibility of moving"
3. debate - discuss the pros and cons of an issue
deliberate
4. debate -
have an argument about something argue, contend, fence
stickle - dispute or argue stubbornly (especially minor points)
spar -
fight verbally; "They were sparring all night"
bicker, brabble, pettifog, squabble, quibble, niggle - argue over petty things; "Let's not quibble over pennies"
altercate, argufy, quarrel, scrap, dispute - have a disagreement over something; "We quarreled over the question as to who discovered America"; "These two fellows are always scrapping over something"
oppose -
be against; express opposition to;; "We oppose the ban on abortion"
converse, discourse - carry on a conversation
http://www.thefreedictionary.com/debateSee it as you will.