a call or summons to engage in any contest, as of skill, strength, etc.
2.
something that by its nature or character serves as a call to battle, contest, special effort, etc.: Space exploration offers a challenge to humankind.
3.
a call to fight, as a battle, a duel, etc.
4.
a demand to explain, justify, etc.: a challenge to the treasurer to itemize expenditures.
5.
difficulty in a job or undertaking that is stimulating to one engaged in it.
6.
Military. the demand of a sentry for identification or a countersign.
7.
Law.a formal objection to the qualifications of a particular juror, to his or her serving, or to the legality of an entire jury. Compare peremptory challenge.
8.
the assertion that a vote is invalid or that a voter is not legally qualified.
9.
Biology. the process of inducing or assessing physiological or immunological activity by exposing an organism to a specific substance.
Hunting.(of hounds) to cry or give tongue on picking up the scent.
adjective
23.
donated or given by a private, corporate, or government benefactor on condition that the recipient raise an additional specified amount from the public: a challenge grant.
Origin: 1175–1225;Middle Englishchalenge < Old French, variant of chalonge < Latincalumniacalumny
Related forms
chal·lenge·a·ble, adjective
pre·chal·lenge, verb (used with object), pre·chal·lenged, pre·chal·leng·ing.
re·chal·lenge, verb (used with object), re·chal·lenged, re·chal·leng·ing.
1292, from O.Fr. chalenge "accusation, claim, dispute," from L. calumnia "trickery" (see calumny). Accusatory connotations died out 17c. Meaning "a calling to fight" is from 1530. Challenged as a euphemism for "disabled" dates from 1985.