challenged; challenging
Definition of challenge
(Entry 1 of 2)
1 : to dispute especially as being unjust, invalid, or outmoded : impugn new data that challenges old assumptions
2a : to confront or defy boldly : dare he challenged his critics to prove his guilt
b : to call out to duel or combat
challenged his rival to a duel
c : to invite into competition
he challenged his brother to a tennis match
3 : to question formally the legality or legal qualifications of
challenge a juror
4 : to arouse or stimulate especially by presenting with difficulties
she wants a job that will challenge her
5 : to order to halt and prove identity
the sentry challenged the stranger
6 : to demand as due or deserved : require an event that challenges explanation
7 : to administer a physiological (see physiological sense 2) and especially an immunologic challenge to (an organism or cell)
1 : to make or present a challenge
when the appropriate moment challenged, he was capable of … leadership— C. H. Driver
2 : to take legal exception
challenge
nounDefinition of challenge (Entry 2 of 2)
1 : a stimulating task or problem
looking for new challenges
2a : a calling to account or into question : protest a challenge to unauthorized use of public funds
b : an exception taken to a juror before the juror is sworn
a challenge of a prospective juror based on a specific cause or reason
c : a questioning of the right or validity of a vote or voter
d : a sentry's command to halt and prove identity
The intruder fled at the sentry's challenge.
3a : an invitation to compete in a sport
He accepted my challenge to a game of chess.
b : a summons (see summons entry 1 sense 2) that is often threatening, provocative, stimulating, or inciting specifically : a summons to a duel to answer an affront
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
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Time Traveler for challenge
The first known use of challenge was in the 13th century
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