de·bate¹/dɪ`bet; dɪˈbeɪt/ n 1 [C] an organized discussion on an important subject 讨论（会），辩论（会）: a debate on crime and punishment 有关犯罪与惩罚问题的讨论 2 [U] the process of discussing a subject or question 讨论（过程）: After much debate, the committee decided to close the hospital. 经过大量讨论，委员会决定关闭那所医院。