challenge
challenge Lexical Profile
challenge Game Scores & Validity
• noun
A demanding or difficult task, problem, or situation that tests someone's abilities, endurance, or resolve.
"Adapting the curriculum for remote learning proved to be a significant challenge for the faculty."
A call or invitation to someone to participate in a competitive situation, contest, or fight to decide who is superior.
"The reigning champion accepted the newcomer's challenge for a title match next month."
A formal objection or query regarding the truth, validity, or legality of something, such as a legal ruling, election result, or prospective juror.
"The defense attorney raised a formal challenge to the admissibility of the prosecution's evidence."
A demand made by a sentry or guard for someone to halt, identify themselves, or provide a password before proceeding.
"The night watchman issued a sharp challenge when he heard footsteps approaching the perimeter gate."
• verb
To dispute the truth, validity, or legitimacy of a statement, theory, or authority.
"Recent archaeological discoveries have challenged long-held assumptions about early human migration."
To test someone's abilities, skill, or commitment in a demanding or stimulating way.
"The advanced honors seminar is designed to challenge students to think critically and independently."
To invite or summon someone to engage in a competitive game, contest, or debate.
"After dinner, she challenged her grandfather to a game of chess."
To object formally to a prospective juror, vote, or piece of evidence during a legal or official proceeding.
"Each side is permitted to challenge a limited number of potential jurors without stating a specific cause."
• Rhymes for challenge
• Nearby Words
Word Origin & Etymology
From Middle English chalenge ('accusation, false claim'), borrowed from Old French chalonge, which derives from Latin calumnia ('trickery, false accusation, malicious lawsuit'). Over time, the legal sense of objecting to a claim broadened into a call to fight or compete, and eventually into any demanding task.