controversy
public disagreement about an issue
Strong public disagreement about an important question, with many people talking and arguing about it.
controversy over [something]
- The government’s new immigration policy has caused widespread controversy.
- The film won several awards but also sparked controversy for its violent scenes.
- Any change to the school’s sex-education program is likely to create controversy among parents.
- The athlete tried to avoid controversy by staying silent on political questions.
- He suddenly found himself at the center of controversy after his comments went viral.
- There is a lot of controversy over the new law.
- The book created controversy because it was very critical of the president.
- The company wants to avoid controversy and protect its image.
- Her speech caused controversy on social media.
- He became the center of controversy after the interview.
formal or legal dispute
A formal argument or case between people or groups that must be decided by a court or official decision.
a controversy between [groups or people]
- The border controversy between the two countries was finally resolved through international arbitration.
- Several companies are involved in a legal controversy over ownership of the patent.
- The tax controversy was settled out of court after months of negotiation.
- This ruling may end a long-running controversy between the city and local landowners.
- The court declined to hear the case, saying there was no live controversy to decide.
- The two firms are in a legal controversy about the contract.
- The land controversy was decided by the court last year.
- The judge said the controversy must be solved by agreement or by trial.
- The border controversy caused many legal and political problems.
- Lawyers worked for months to end the controversy between the two sides.
- Base: controversy
- Plural: controversies, controversy
at the center of controversy
1main focus of controversy
To be the main person or thing that people are arguing about.
- The minister is at the center of controversy over misuse of public funds.
- The new stadium is at the center of controversy because of its high cost.
avoid controversy
1keep controversy from arising
To act in a way so that people do not start strong public arguments about you or your actions.
- The company changed the ad to avoid controversy.
- She carefully chose her words to avoid controversy during the interview.
cause controversy
1create public disagreement
To make many people strongly disagree and talk about something.
- The advertisement caused controversy because many viewers found it offensive.
- Changing the national flag would cause a lot of controversy.
court controversy
1intentionally seek controversy
To act in a way that you know will probably make people argue and criticize you.
- Some celebrities deliberately court controversy to stay in the news.
- The director has always courted controversy with his extreme films.
settle a controversy
1end a controversy
To end a strong argument or dispute by making a decision or reaching an agreement.
- The court’s decision finally settled the controversy.
- An independent report helped settle the controversy about the safety of the drug.
spark controversy
1suddenly trigger disagreement
To suddenly start strong public disagreement about something.
- His comments on climate change sparked controversy online.
- The artist’s latest work has sparked controversy in the local community.
stir up controversy
1deliberately create controversy
To cause strong public disagreement, especially on purpose or unnecessarily.
- The politician was accused of stirring up controversy to get more media attention.
- The company doesn’t want to stir up controversy before the product launch.
surrounded by controversy
1closely linked to controversy
To have a lot of public disagreement and criticism around a person, thing, or decision.
- The project has been surrounded by controversy since it was announced.
- He resigned after years of being surrounded by controversy over his business deals.