'debate' originates from Old French, specifically the word 'debatre,' where 'de-' meant 'down' and 'batre' meant 'to beat.'

'debatre' transformed into the Middle English word 'debaten,' and eventually became the modern English word 'debate.'

Initially, it meant 'to fight or contend,' but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'to discuss or argue about a topic.'