Controversy: A dispute

A dispute, especially a public one, between sides holding opposing views. 2. The act or practice of engaging in such disputes: writers skilled at controversy . In the theory of law, a controversy differs from a legal case; while legal cases include all suits, criminal as well as civil, a controversy is a purely civil proceeding. There are five meanings listed in OED's entry for the noun controversy , three of which are labelled obsolete. See ‘Meaning & use’ for definitions, usage, and quotation evidence. controversy (over/about/surrounding somebody/something) public discussion and argument about something that many people strongly disagree about, think is bad, or are shocked by. The controversy surrounding his latest movie continues. The President resigned amid considerable controversy .