Verb
To make matter of controversy; to dispute or oppose by reasoning; to contend against in words or writings; to contest; to debate.
Source: Webster's dictionaryA flippant, frivolous man may ridicule others, may controvert them, scorn them; but he who has any respect for himself seems to have renounced the right of thinking meanly of others. Johann Wolfgang von Goethe
The board opposed his motion Source: Internet