First Known Use: 13th century
Dictionary
1challenge
verb chal·lenge \ˈcha-lənj\
: to say or show that (something) may not be true, correct, or legal
: to question the action or authority of (someone)
law : to question whether (someone) should serve on a jury
chal·lengedchal·leng·ing
Full Definition of CHALLENGE
transitive verb
1
: to demand as due or deserved : require <an event that challenges explanation>
2
: to order to halt and prove identity <the sentry challenged the stranger>
3
: to dispute especially as being unjust, invalid, or outmoded : impugn <new data that challenges old assumptions>
4
: to question formally the legality or legal qualifications of <challenge a juror>
5
a : to confront or defy boldly : dare <he challenged his critics to prove his guilt> b : to call out to duel or combat c : to invite into competition <he challenged his brother to a tennis match>
6
: to arouse or stimulate especially by presenting with difficulties <she wants a job that will challenge her>
7
: to administer a physiological and especially an immunologic challenge to (an organism or cell)
intransitive verb
1
: to make or present a challenge
2
: to take legal exception
— chal·leng·er noun
See challenge defined for English-language learners
See challenge defined for kids
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Origin of CHALLENGE
Middle English chalengen to accuse, from Anglo-French chalenger, from Latin calumniari to accuse falsely, from calumnia calumny
2challenge
noun
: a difficult task or problem : something that is hard to do
: an action, statement, etc., that is against something : a refusal to accept something as true, correct, or legal
: an invitation to compete in a game, fight, etc.
Full Definition of CHALLENGE
1
a : a summons that is often threatening, provocative, stimulating, or inciting; specifically : a summons to a duel to answer an affront b : an invitation to compete in a sport
2
a : a calling to account or into question : protest b : an exception taken to a juror before the juror is sworn c : a sentry's command to halt and prove identity d : a questioning of the right or validity of a vote or voter
3
: a stimulating task or problem <looking for new challenges>
4
: the act or process of provoking or testing physiological activity by exposure to a specific substance; especially : a test of immunity by exposure to an antigen
See challenge defined for English-language learners
First Known Use of CHALLENGE
14th century
CHALLENGER Defined for Kids
1challenge
verb chal·lenge \ˈcha-lənj\
chal·lengedchal·leng·ing
Definition of CHALLENGE for Kids
1
: to object to as bad or incorrect : dispute <The coach challenged the referee's call.>
2
: to confront or defy boldly <He challenged them to prove him wrong.>
3
: to invite or dare to take part in a contest <Are you challenging us to a race?>
4
: to be difficult enough to be interesting to : test the skill or ability of <This puzzle will challenge you.>
5
: to halt and demand identification from <The guard challenged the stranger.>
— chal·leng·er noun
2challenge
noun
Definition of CHALLENGE for Kids
1
: an objection to something as not being true, genuine, correct, or proper or to a person (as a juror) as not being correct, qualified, or approved
2
: a call or dare for someone to compete in a contest or sport
3
: a difficult task or problem <Memorizing the poem was a challenge.>
4
: an order to stop and provide identification
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