chal•lenge/ˈtʃælɪndʒ/USA pronunciationn., v.,-lenged, -leng•ing. n.
a call to compete in a contest or in a fight: [countable]I accept your challenge to a duel.[uncountable]A hint of challenge appeared on his face.
something that by its nature is a test or a difficult thing to accomplish: [countable]Space exploration offers a challenge to humankind.[uncountable]I'd like work with a bit more challenge than this useless drudgery.
a demand, request, or question to explain or justify something:[countable* ~ + to]His criticism was a challenge to every proposal we had made.
v.[~ + object]
to summon (someone) to a contest or fight:[~ + object + to + object]He challenged his foe to a duel.
to test (someone) because of its difficulty:This obstacle course will really challenge him.
to demand or question whether (something or someone) is correct, proper, or qualified:The leaders of the revolt challenged the dictator's authority.
Militaryto halt and demand identification from:The guard challenged the reporter when she tried to enter the army base.
chal•lenge(chal′inj),USA pronunciationn., v.,-lenged, -leng•ing,adj. n.
a call or summons to engage in any contest, as of skill, strength, etc.
something that by its nature or character serves as a call to battle, contest, special effort, etc.:Space exploration offers a challenge to humankind.
a call to fight, as a battle, a duel, etc.
a demand to explain, justify, etc.:a challenge to the treasurer to itemize expenditures.
difficulty in a job or undertaking that is stimulating to one engaged in it.
Militarythe demand of a sentry for identification or a countersign.
Lawa formal objection to the qualifications of a particular juror, to his or her serving, or to the legality of an entire jury. Cf. peremptory challenge.
Governmentthe assertion that a vote is invalid or that a voter is not legally qualified.
Physiology[Biol.]the process of inducing or assessing physiological or immunological activity by exposing an organism to a specific substance.
Sport[Hunting.]the crying of a hound on finding a scent.
v.t.
to summon to a contest of skill, strength, etc.
to take exception to; call in question:to challenge the wisdom of a procedure.
to demand as something due or rightful.
Militaryto halt and demand identification or countersign from.
Lawto take formal exception to (a juror or jury).
to have a claim to; invite; arouse; stimulate:a matter which challenges attention.
Governmentto assert that (a vote) is invalid.
Governmentto assert that (a voter) is not qualified to vote.
Physiologyto expose an organism to a specific substance in order to assess its physiological or immunological activity.
[Archaic.]to lay claim to.
v.i.
to make or issue a challenge.
Sport[Hunting.](of hounds) to cry or give tongue on picking up the scent.
adj.
donated or given by a private, corporate, or government benefactor on condition that the recipient raise an additional specified amount from the public:a challenge grant.
Latin calumniacalumny
Old French, variant of chalonge
Middle English chalenge 1175–1225
chal′lenge•a•ble, adj.
11.See corresponding entry in Unabridged dare, bid, invite.
12.See corresponding entry in Unabridged question, impute, doubt.