Source : Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)

Controversy \Con"tro*ver`sy\, n.; pl. {Controversies}. [L.
   controversia, fr. controversus turned against, disputed;
   contro- = contra + versus, p. p. of vertere to turn. See
   {Verse}.]
   1. Contention; dispute; debate; discussion; agitation of
      contrary opinions.

            This left no room for controversy about the title.
                                                  --Locke.

            A dispute is commonly oral, and a controversy in
            writing.                              --Johnson.

   2. Quarrel; strife; cause of variance; difference.

            The Lord hath a controversy with the nations. --Jer.
                                                  xxv. 31.

   3. A suit in law or equity; a question of right. [Obs.]

            When any man that had a controversy came to the king
            for judgment.                         --2 Sam. xv.
                                                  2.

   Syn: Dispute; debate; disputation; disagreement; altercation;
        contention; wrangle; strife; quarrel.

Source : WordNet®

controversy
     n : a contentious speech act; a dispute where there is strong
         disagreement; "they were involved in a violent argument"
         [syn: {contention}, {contestation}, {disputation}, {disceptation},
          {tilt}, {argument}, {arguing}]