con·tro·vert \ˈkän.trəˌvərt, -və̄t, -vəit, | ̷ ̷ ̷ ̷ˈ ̷ ̷, usu -d.+V\verb (-ed/-ing/-s) Etymology: from controversy, after such pairs as English conversion: convert transitive verb 1.obsolete: to oppose or contest by action or argument (as possession of a property) 2.: to dispute or oppose by reasoning : deny, contradict < controvert a point in discussion > intransitive verb : to engage in controversy Synonyms:see disprove