controversy

noun con·tro·ver·sy \ˈkän-trə-ˌvər-sē, British also kən-ˈträ-vər-sē\

: argument that involves many people who strongly disagree about something : strong disagreement about something among a large group of people

plural con·tro·ver·sies

Full Definition of CONTROVERSY

: a discussion marked especially by the expression of opposing views : dispute

: quarrel, strife

See controversy defined for English-language learners

See controversy defined for kids

Origin of CONTROVERSY

Middle English controversie, from Anglo-French, from Latin controversia, from controversus disputable, literally, turned against, from contro- (akin to contra-) + versus, past participle of vertere to turn — more at worth

First Known Use: 14th century

Related to CONTROVERSY

Synonyms: altercation, argle-bargle [chiefly British], argy-bargy [chiefly British], battle royal, bicker, brawl, contretemps, argument, cross fire, disagreement, dispute, donnybrook, falling-out, fight, hassle, imbroglio, kickup, misunderstanding, quarrel, rhubarb, row, scrap, set-to, spat, squabble, tiff, wrangle

Antonyms: accord, agreement, consensus, harmony, unanimity

CONTROVERSY Defined for Kids

controversy

noun con·tro·ver·sy \ˈkän-trə-ˌvər-sē\

plural con·tro·ver·sies

Definition of CONTROVERSY for Kids

: argument that involves many people who strongly disagree about something dispute

: ¹quarrel 1

Learn More About CONTROVERSY

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for "controversy"

Spanish Central: Spanish translation of "controversy"

Nglish: Translation of "controversy" for Spanish speakers

Britannica English: Translation of "controversy" for Arabic speakers

Browse

Next Word in the Dictionary: controvertPrevious Word in the Dictionary: controversionAll Words Near: controversy

Seen & Heard

What made you want to look up controversy? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).

View Seen & Heard Highlights from Around the Site