challenge

Meanings

1. 1
   noun

   questioning a statement and demanding an explanation

   Their challenge of my argument was unfounded.

2. 2
   noun

   a demanding or stimulating situation

   they reacted irrationally to the challenge of Russian power

3. 3
   verb

   to raise a formal objection in a court of law

   I challenged the judge's ruling.

4. 4
   verb

   to ask for identification

   The illegal immigrant was challenged by the border guard

5. 5
   verb

   to issue a challenge to

   I challenge you to a duel!

6. 6
   verb

   to take exception to

   I challenged their claims.

7. 7
   noun

   A confrontation; a dare.

   Congratulations on managing to use the phrase “preponderant criterion” in a chart (“On your marks”, November 9th). Was this the work of a kakorrhaphiophobic journalist set a challenge by his colleagues, or simply an example of glossolalia?

8. 8
   verb

   To invite (someone) to take part in a competition.

   We challenged the boys next door to a game of football.

Etymology

From Middle English chalenge, variant with palatalization of Middle English kalange (“an accusation, claim”), from Old French chalenge, chalonge, palatalized Central French variants of Old Northern French calenge, calonge (see Continental Norman calengier), from Latin calumnia (“a false accusation, calumny”). Cognate with Old English hōl (“calumny”). Doublet of calumny.