a contentious speech act; a dispute where there is strong disagreement
"they were involved in a violent argument"
A debate or discussion of opposing opinions; (generally) strife.
"The new policy sparked a heated controversy within the community, as neighbors clashed over its potential impact on local property values."
In plain English: A controversy is when people strongly disagree about something and argue loudly over it.
"The new law caused widespread controversy among the local community."
Usage: Use controversy to describe an ongoing public dispute where people hold strong, conflicting views on a specific issue. It refers specifically to the heated exchange itself rather than just the existence of disagreement.
The word "controversy" entered English via the Old French contrôversie, which was borrowed from a Latin term meaning debate or contention. This original sense of being turned in an opposite direction eventually evolved to describe any situation involving public disagreement.