Disputer

dis·pute  (d-spyt)

v. dis·put·ed, dis·put·ing, dis·putes

v.tr.

1. To argue about; debate.

2. To question the truth or validity of; doubt: Her friends disputed her intentions.

3. To strive to win (a prize, for example); contest for: Our team disputed the visitors' claim to the championship.

4. To strive against; resist: disputed the actions of his competitors.

v.intr.

1. To engage in discussion or argument; debate. See Synonyms at discuss.

2. To quarrel angrily.

n.

1. A verbal controversy; a debate.

2. An angry altercation; a quarrel. See Synonyms at argument.

---

[Middle English disputen, from Old French desputer, from Latin disputre, to examine : dis-, apart; see dis- + putre, to reckon; see pau-² in Indo-European roots.]

---

dis·puter n.