1 a : to give reasons for or against something : to say or write things in order to change someone's opinion about what is true, what should be done, etc. [no obj] ▪ She argued against the proposed law. ▪ The senator argued in favor of lowering taxes. ▪ They argued (convincingly/persuasively) against cutting the budget. ▪ He's always willing to argue for what is right. ▪ argue for better funding [+ obj] ▪ She argued that the proposed law should be defeated. ▪ He argued that it's far too early to make a decision. b [+ obj] : to cause (someone) to decide to do or not do something by giving reasons ▪ They tried to argue their parents into getting a new car. [=to persuade their parents to get a new car] ▪ No one can argue me out of doing this.
2 [no obj] : to disagree or fight by using angry words : quarrel ▪ Their neighbors argued (with each other) all the time. ▪ They started arguing about/over politics/religion. ▪ She would argue with anyone.
3 [no obj] : to express doubt or disagreement about something —+ with ▪ You can't argue with her success. [=you can't deny that she is successful]
4 a [no obj] : to show that something is or is not necessary, appropriate, etc. —usually + for or against ▪ The result argues for a new approach. [=the result shows that we need a new approach] b [+ obj] formal : to give evidence of (something) ▪ The facts argue [=indicate, show] his innocence.