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 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