辩论 (biàn lùn) means 'to debate' — a formal, structured exchange of arguments, often in a competition or organized discussion. This is more organized and dispassionate than 争论 (zhēnglùn, an informal argue) or 争辩 (zhēngbiàn, a heated wrangle). It also differs from 辩解 (biànjiě), which means to defend oneself against criticism.