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.

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