an argument or a disagreement between two people, groups, or countries; discussion about a subject where there is disagreement dispute (between A and B) a dispute between the two countries about the border dispute (over/about something) the latest dispute over fishing rights industrial/pay disputes The union is in dispute with management over working hours. The cause of the accident was still in dispute (= being argued about). The matter was settled beyond dispute by the court judgment (= it could no longer be argued about). His theories are open to dispute (= can be disagreed with).
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