Main Entry:

¹chal·lenge

Pronunciation:

\ˈcha-lənj\

Function:

verb

Inflected Form(s):

chal·lenged; chal·leng·ing

Etymology:

Middle English chalengen to accuse, from Anglo-French chalenger, from Latin calumniari to accuse falsely, from calumnia calumny

Date:

13th century

transitive verb1: 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 verb1: to make or present a challenge2: to take legal exception

— chal·leng·er noun