Pronunciation: ' cha-l ə nj
Function: verb
Inflected Form: 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 challenge s 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 challenge s 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