I. ˈcha-lənj verb
( 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
II. noun
Date: 14th century
1.
a. : a summons that is often threatening, provocative, stimulating, or inciting ; specifically : a summons to a duel to answer an affront
b. : an invitation to compete in a sport
2.
a. : a calling to account or into question : protest
b. : an exception taken to a juror before the juror is sworn
c. : a sentry's command to halt and prove identity
d. : a questioning of the right or validity of a vote or voter
3. : a stimulating task or problem
looking for new challenge s
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