challenge

/'tʃælindʤ/
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challenge

The sentry issues a challenge to the approaching guard.

Definition
  1. Noun:

    • A call to engage in a contest or fight: An invitation or demand to compete, often to prove superiority or skill.
    • A demanding or stimulating situation: A task or situation that tests someone's abilities and is often difficult.
    • A questioning of a statement's truth or authority: An act of disputing or demanding justification for an assertion or claim.
    • A formal objection: In legal contexts, an objection to the eligibility of a juror or, in a military context, a sentry's demand for identification.
  2. Verb:

    • To invite someone to compete: To call someone to take part in a contest, game, or debate.
    • To question the truth or validity of something: To express doubts about or refuse to accept a statement, idea, or authority.
    • To test abilities in a demanding way: To present a task or situation that requires great effort or skill.
    • To demand identification: To formally ask someone, especially in an official capacity, to prove their identity or right to be somewhere.
Examples of Usage
  • Noun:

    • He accepted the challenge to run a marathon. (He agreed to the difficult task of running a marathon.)
    • The new job presented an exciting challenge. (The new job offered a stimulating and demanding situation.)
    • Her theory was met with challenge from other scientists. (Other scientists questioned the validity of her theory.)
  • Verb:

    • She challenged him to a game of chess. (She invited him to compete in a chess game.)
    • The lawyer challenged the witness's account of events. (The lawyer questioned the truthfulness of the witness's story.)
    • This puzzle will really challenge your mind. (This puzzle will seriously test your mental abilities.)
Advanced Usage
  • "To rise to the challenge": To respond well to a difficult situation by making a strong effort.

    • When the project failed, the team rose to the challenge and created a better solution.
  • "To pose a challenge": To present or create a difficult situation.

    • The mountainous terrain poses a significant challenge for the construction crew.
  • "To challenge someone's authority": To question or defy someone's power or right to control.

    • The rebels sought to challenge the king's authority.
Variants and Related Words
  • Challenger (n): A person who challenges someone else, especially in a competition.

    • The young challenger defeated the reigning champion.
  • Challenging (adj): Testing one's abilities; demanding.

    • She finds her work intellectually challenging.
  • Unchallenged (adj): Not questioned or disputed; accepted without opposition.

    • For years, his authority in the field went unchallenged.
Synonyms
  • Noun: Test, trial, dare, confrontation, objection.
  • Verb: Contest, dispute, question, dare, test.
Related Phrasal Verbs
  • Challenge someone on something: To question someone directly about a specific issue.

    • The journalist challenged the minister on his spending claims.
  • Challenge someone to do something: To dare or invite someone to perform a specific action.

    • I challenge you to finish the book in one day.
Related Idioms
  • A challenge to/for someone: Something that is difficult for a particular person or group.

    • Managing a remote team is a real challenge for new managers.
  • Meet the challenge: To deal successfully with a difficult situation.

    • We have the resources to meet this challenge head-on.
challenge

The sentry issues a challenge to the approaching guard.

Noun
  1. a demand by a sentry for a password or identification
  2. a formal objection to the selection of a particular person as a juror
  3. questioning a statement and demanding an explanation
    • his challenge of the assumption that Japan is still our enemy
  4. a call to engage in a contest or fight
  5. a demanding or stimulating situation
    • they reacted irrationally to the challenge of Russian power
Verb
  1. raise a formal objection in a court of law
  2. ask for identification
    • The illegal immigrant was challenged by the border guard
  3. issue a challenge to
    • Fischer challenged Spassky to a match
  4. take exception to
    • She challenged his claims