contention

Meanings

1. 1
   noun

   the act of competing as for profit or a prize

   the teams were in fierce contention for first place

2. 2
   noun

   A point maintained in an argument, or a line of argument taken in its support; the subject matter of discussion of strife; a position taken or contended for.

   It is my contention that state lotteries are taxes on stupid people.

3. 3
   noun

   a point asserted as part of an argument

4. 4
   noun

   a contentious speech act

5. 5
   noun

   Argument, contest, debate, strife, struggle.

6. 6
   noun

   Competition by parts of a system or its users for a limited resource.

Etymology

From Middle English contencion, borrowed from Old French contencion, from Latin contentio, contentionem, from contendō (past participle contentus); equivalent to contend + -tion (similar formation to attention).