Compile form of debate (7)
I believe the answer is:
polemic
'debate' is the definition.
(I've seen this before)
'compile form' is the wordplay.
'form' indicates an anagram.
'compile' with letters rearranged gives 'POLEMIC'.
'of' acts as a link.
(Other definitions for polemic that I've seen before include "Involving controversy -- compile (anag)" , "Strong spoken or written attack" , "Contentious" , "debate" , "Involving dispute or controversy" .)