— challengeable , adj.
/chal"inj/ , n. , v. , challenged, challenging , adj.
n.
1. a call or summons to engage in any contest, as of skill, strength, etc.
2. something that by its nature or character serves as a call to battle, contest, special effort, etc.: Space exploration offers a challenge to humankind.
3. a call to fight, as a battle, a duel, etc.
4. a demand to explain, justify, etc.: a challenge to the treasurer to itemize expenditures.
5. difficulty in a job or undertaking that is stimulating to one engaged in it.
6. Mil. the demand of a sentry for identification or a countersign.
7. Law. a formal objection to the qualifications of a particular juror, to his or her serving, or to the legality of an entire jury. Cf. peremptory challenge .
8. the assertion that a vote is invalid or that a voter is not legally qualified.
9. Biol. the process of inducing or assessing physiological or immunological activity by exposing an organism to a specific substance.
10. Hunting. the crying of a hound on finding a scent.
v.t.
11. to summon to a contest of skill, strength, etc.
12. to take exception to; call in question: to challenge the wisdom of a procedure.
13. to demand as something due or rightful.
14. Mil. to halt and demand identification or countersign from.
15. Law. to take formal exception to (a juror or jury).
16. to have a claim to; invite; arouse; stimulate: a matter which challenges attention.
17. to assert that (a vote) is invalid.
18. to assert that (a voter) is not qualified to vote.
19. to expose an organism to a specific substance in order to assess its physiological or immunological activity.
20. Archaic. to lay claim to.
v.i.
21. to make or issue a challenge.
22. Hunting. (of hounds) to cry or give tongue on picking up the scent.
adj.
23. donated or given by a private, corporate, or government benefactor on condition that the recipient raise an additional specified amount from the public: a challenge grant.
[ 1175-1225; ME chalenge chalonge calumnia CALUMNY ]
Syn. 11. dare, bid, invite. 12. question, impute, doubt.