controversy

The definition of a controversy is a public disagreement with two sides openly debating.

(noun)

An example of a controversy is a fight between two famous parents in a custody battle.

See controversy in Webster's New World College Dictionary

a lengthy discussion of an important question in which opposing opinions clash; debate; disputation
a quarrel or dispute

Origin: ME controversie < L controversia < controversus, turned in an opposite direction < contra, against + versus: see verse

See controversy in American Heritage Dictionary 4

noun pl. con·tro·ver·sies

A dispute, especially a public one, between sides holding opposing views. See Synonyms at argument.
The act or practice of engaging in such disputes: writers skilled at controversy.

Origin:

Origin: Middle English controversie

Origin: , from Latin contrōversia

Origin: , from contrōversus, disputed

Origin: : contrō- (variant of contrā, contra-)

Origin: + versus

Origin: , past participle of vertere, to turn; see wer-² in Indo-European roots

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