challenge

Syllabification: (chal·lenge)

Pronunciation: /ˈCHalənj/

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Definition of challenge

noun

1a call to take part in a contest or competition, especially a duel:he accepted the challenge
a task or situation that tests someone’s abilities:the ridge is a challenge for experienced climbers
an attempt to win a contest or championship in a sport:a world title challenge

2an objection or query as to the truth of something, often with an implicit demand for proof:a challenge to the legality of the order
a sentry’s call for a password or other proof of identity.
Law an objection regarding the eligibility or suitability of a jury member.

3 Medicine exposure of the immune system to pathogenic organisms or antigens:recently vaccinated calves should be protected from challenge

verb

[with object]

1invite (someone) to engage in a contest:he challenged one of my men to a duel
enter into competition with or opposition against:incumbent Democrats are being challenged in the 29th district
make a rival claim to or threaten someone’s hold on (a position):they were challenging his leadership
[with object and infinitive] invite (someone) to do something that one thinks will be difficult or impossible; dare:I challenged them to make up their own minds
test the abilities of:he needed something both to challenge his skills and to regain his crown as the king of the thriller

2dispute the truth or validity of:employees challenged the company’s requirement
Law object to (a jury member).
(of a sentry) call on (someone) for proof of identity.

3 Medicine expose (the immune system) to pathogenic organisms or antigens.

Derivatives

challengeable
challenger

Origin:

Middle English (in the senses 'accusation' and 'accuse'): from Old French chalenge (noun), chalenger (verb), from Latin calumnia 'calumny', calumniari 'calumniate'

Spell challenge with a double l.Drop the final silent -e when adding endings that begin with a vowel: ( challenges, challenging,challenged).

challenge in other Oxford dictionaries

Definition of challenge in the British & World English dictionary

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Other

challenge

noun

verb

Derivatives

challengeable

challenger

Origin:

challenge in other Oxford dictionaries

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