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challenge

verb chal·lenge \ ˈcha-lənj \
|Updated on: 12 Aug 2018

Definition of challenge

challenged; challenging
transitive verb
1 : to dispute especially as being unjust, invalid, or outmoded : impugn
  • new data that challenges old assumptions
2 a : 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 2) and especially an immunologic challenge to (an organism or cell)
intransitive verb
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
—

challenger

noun
—

challengeable

play \ˈcha-lən-jə-bəl\ adjective

See challenge defined for English-language learners

See challenge defined for kids

Examples of challenge in a Sentence

  1. A number of doctors are challenging the study's claims.

  2. The new lawsuit challenges the lower court's decision.

  3. She's been challenged on her handling of the problem.

  4. None of them were willing to challenge the referee on the call.

  5. It's a game that will challenge a child's imagination.

  6. The work doesn't challenge him anymore, and he's often bored.

Recent Examples of challenge from the Web

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'challenge.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Origin and Etymology of challenge

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

challenge Synonyms

Synonyms

contest, dispute, impeach, oppugn, query, question;

Antonyms

accept, believe, embrace, swallow;

Near Antonyms

back, defend, support;

advocate, champion, promote;

abide, endure, stomach, tolerate;

Related Words

doubt, mistrust;

kick (about), object (to), protest;

combat, fight, oppose, resist;

Phrases

call in question (or into);

2

challenge

noun

Definition of challenge

1 : a stimulating task or problem
  • looking for new challenges
2 a : 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.
3 a : an invitation to compete in a sport
  • He accepted my challenge to a game of chess.
b : a summons (see 1summons 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

See challenge defined for English-language learners

Examples of challenge in a Sentence

  1. The next major challenge for the company is to improve its distribution capabilities.

  2. Teaching adolescents can be quite a challenge.

  3. The band feels ready for new challenges.

  4. If he takes on the new project he will face the greatest challenge of his career.

  5. Management is seeking ways to better meet the challenge of future growth.

  6. The ski slope offers a high degree of challenge.

  7. Do you accept my challenge to a game of chess?

  8. The senator may face a challenge from within her own party.

Recent Examples of challenge from the Web

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'challenge.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Origin and Etymology of challenge

see 1challenge

challenge Synonyms

Synonyms

case, knot, matter, problem, trouble;

Antonyms

answer, solution;

Near Antonyms

magic bullet, silver bullet;

cure-all, panacea;

Related Words

issue, question;

corner, fix, hole, hot water, jam, mire, pickle, predicament, quagmire, spot;

crux, toughie (also toughy);

dilemma, quandary;

catch, glitch, hitch, pitfall, snag;

conundrum, enigma, mystery, puzzle, puzzlement, riddle;

brainteaser, poser, stumper;

Phrases Related to CHALLENGE

Related Phrases

CHALLENGE Defined for English Language Learners

challenge

verb

Definition of challenge for English Language Learners

  • : 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

challenge

noun

Definition of challenge for English Language Learners

  • : 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.

CHALLENGE Defined for Kids

1

challenge

verb chal·lenge \ ˈcha-lənj \

Definition of challenge for Students

challenged; challenging
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.
—

challenger

noun
2

challenge

noun

Definition of challenge for Students

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

Medical Dictionary

1

challenge

transitive verb chal·lenge \ ˈchal-ənj \

medical Definition of challenge

challenged; challenging
: to administer a physiological and especially an immunologic challenge to (an organism or cell)
2

challenge

noun

medical Definition of challenge

: the process of provoking or testing physiological activity by exposure to a specific substance; especially : a test of immunity by exposure to an antigen after immunization against it

Law Dictionary

1

challenge

transitive verb chal·lenge

legal Definition of challenge

challenged; challenging
1 : to dispute especially as being invalid or unjust
  • counsel challenged this interpretation
2 : to question formally (as by a suit or motion) the legality or legal qualifications of
  • challenge the regulations
; especially : to make a challenge to (a trier of fact)
  • the grounds for challenging prospective jurors
  • —W. R. LaFave and A. W. Scott, Jr.
— compare recuse
2

challenge

noun

legal Definition of challenge

1 : a calling into question; especially : a questioning of validity or legality : objection
  • when the challenge to the statute is in effect a challenge of this basic assumption
  • —Kramer v. Union Free School Dist. No. 15, 395 U.S. 621 (1969)
— see also batson challenge
2 : a request to disqualify a trier of fact (as a jury member or judge) — compare recusal, strike
— challenge for cause
: a challenge especially of a prospective juror based on a specific and stated cause or reason
— challenge to the array
: a challenge of an entire jury that raises objections to the selection process
— peremptory challenge
: a challenge especially of a prospective juror that does not require a stated cause or reason

Learn More about challenge

  1. Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for challenge Spanish Central: Translation of challenge Nglish: Translation of challenge for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of challenge for Arabic speakers Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about challenge

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