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challenge

verb
chal·​lenge | \ ˈcha-lÉ™nj How to pronounce challenge (audio) \
challenged; challenging

Definition of challenge

 (Entry 1 of 2)

transitive verb

1 : to dispute especially as being unjust, invalid, or outmoded : impugn new data that challenges old assumptions
2a : to confront or defy boldly : dare he challenged his critics to prove his guilt
b : to call out to duel or combat challenged his rival to a duel
c : to invite into competition he challenged his brother to a tennis match
3 : to question formally the legality or legal qualifications of challenge a juror
4 : to arouse or stimulate especially by presenting with difficulties she wants a job that will challenge her
5 : to order to halt and prove identity the sentry challenged the stranger
6 : to demand as due or deserved : require an event that challenges explanation
7 : to administer a physiological (see physiological sense 2) and especially an immunologic challenge to (an organism or cell)

intransitive verb

1 : to make or present a challenge when the appropriate moment challenged, he was capable of … leadership— C. H. Driver
2 : to take legal exception

challenge

noun

Definition of challenge (Entry 2 of 2)

1 : a stimulating task or problem looking for new challenges
2a : a calling to account or into question : protest a challenge to unauthorized use of public funds
b : an exception taken to a juror before the juror is sworn a challenge of a prospective juror based on a specific cause or reason
c : a questioning of the right or validity of a vote or voter
d : a sentry's command to halt and prove identity The intruder fled at the sentry's challenge.
3a : an invitation to compete in a sport He accepted my challenge to a game of chess.
b : a summons (see summons entry 1 sense 2) that is often threatening, provocative, stimulating, or inciting specifically : a summons to a duel to answer an affront
4 : the act or process of provoking or testing physiological activity by exposure to a specific substance especially : a test of immunity by exposure to an antigen
Other Words from challenge Synonyms & Antonyms More Example Sentences Learn More about challenge

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Other Words from challenge

Verb

challenger noun
challengeable \ ˈcha-​lÉ™n-​jÉ™-​bÉ™l How to pronounce challengeable (audio) \ adjective

Examples of challenge in a Sentence

Verb

 A number of doctors are challenging the study's claims. The new lawsuit challenges the lower court's decision. She's been challenged on her handling of the problem. None of them were willing to challenge the referee on the call. It's a game that will challenge a child's imagination. The work doesn't challenge him anymore, and he's often bored.

Noun

 The next major challenge for the company is to improve its distribution capabilities. Teaching adolescents can be quite a challenge. The band feels ready for new challenges. If he takes on the new project he will face the greatest challenge of his career. Management is seeking ways to better meet the challenge of future growth. The ski slope offers a high degree of challenge. Do you accept my challenge to a game of chess? The senator may face a challenge from within her own party.
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Recent Examples on the Web: Verb

 Castro wasn't the only presidential hopeful asked challenging questions. — Wesli Jones, CNN, "Must-see moments from the CNN climate crisis town hall," 5 Sep. 2019 Based on Martone’s own recent staging of the play, The Mayor of Rione Sanita is a challenging work whose verbal violence is engrossing but also repellent. — Deborah Young, The Hollywood Reporter, "'The Mayor of Rione Sanita' ('Il sindaco di Rione Sanita'): Film Review | Venice 2019," 30 Aug. 2019 Traffic is also a concern for Allan Ciccone, who is challenging Greenberg in the Ward 1 councilor race in the fall. — John Hilliard, BostonGlobe.com, "Developer pitches affordable housing, business space in Newton’s Nonantum neighborhood," 28 Aug. 2019 The event aims to raise awareness and appreciation of this challenging vocal technique, as well as to create unique performing opportunities for promising singers of all ages. — Courtney Mcgee, baltimoresun.com, "Coloratura? Classical voice competition Towson-bound," 27 Aug. 2019 Of course, not all challenging coworkers are super-competitive. — Anne Fisher, Fortune, "Don’t Let a Difficult Coworker Drive You Crazy," 23 Aug. 2019 Despite his vast daily intake of beer, Ricketts worked long hours in the lab with great precision, wrote extensively, and devoured scientific monographs and other challenging books. — Smithsonian, "John Steinbeck’s Epic Ocean Voyage Rewrote the Rules of Ecology," 22 Aug. 2019 The western portion of the country will by socked by record-challenging temperatures for the next week to 10 days, with the heat wave possibly stretching into typically cooler northwestern states like Washington and Oregon. — Fatima Farha, USA TODAY, "Hot weather, stranded tourists and 'Good Boys': 5 things you need to know Monday," 19 Aug. 2019 When the 2018 midterms began, Boylan was inspired by women like Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Ayanna Pressley, who challenged longtime Democratic incumbents and shaped the policy conversations in their districts and across the country. — Seamus Kirst, Teen Vogue, "Why Lindsey Boylan Wants to Defeat One of the Most Powerful Democrats in Congress," 16 Aug. 2019

Recent Examples on the Web: Noun

 Teachers can feels the effects of poverty in the classroom, and face the challenge of not only educating students, but supporting students in addressing and healing their trauma. — NBC News, "Detroit may be going through a revival, but how does this impact education?," 6 Sep. 2019 The challenge of creating a greener more sustainable world isn’t being hindered by a lack of wealth or technology. — Robert Horn, Fortune, "Why Two Environmentally-Minded Designers Are Optimistic About the Future," 6 Sep. 2019 Testimony in one case that went to trial in Chicago recently underscored the challenges of taking on one of the world’s most powerful companies. — Patricia Callahan, New York Times, "The Human Cost of Amazon’s Fast, Free Shipping," 5 Sep. 2019 Since Day One, there have been numerous challenges of onboarding our office. — Andrew Kenney, The Denver Post, "Questions swirl as Denver City Council moves to fire executive director," 5 Sep. 2019

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