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challenge

n. · v.
US //ˈtʃæɫəndʒ// UK //tʃˈælɪndʒ// chal·lenge
  1. 1 a difficult task (n.)
    B1 Intermediate

    something that is difficult to do but often fun or rewarding because it tests your abilities.

    a demanding task or situation that tests a person's abilities or resources.

    Example

    Learning a new language is a big challenge, but it is very rewarding.

    Example

    The management team faced the challenge of restructuring the department without losing the trust of their long-term employees.
  2. 2 an invitation to compete (n.)
    B1 Intermediate Sport

    an invitation to someone to take part in a competition, fight, or argument.

    a call to someone to participate in a competitive situation or to prove something.

    Example

    He accepted his friend's challenge to a game of chess.

    Example

    The reigning champion issued a formal challenge to any contender willing to meet him in the ring next spring.
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  1. 3 to question something (v.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate Academic

    to say that you think something is wrong or not true.

    to dispute the truth, validity, or authority of something. Transitive — requires a direct object.

    Example

    The lawyer decided to challenge the witness's story in court.

    Example

    New evidence emerged that allowed the researchers to challenge the long-held theory regarding the planet's atmospheric composition.
  2. 4 to invite to a contest (v.)
    B1 Intermediate

    to ask someone to compete against you in a game or fight.

    to invite someone to engage in a contest, competition, or duel.

    Example

    I challenged him to a race to the end of the street.

    Example

    The startup company challenged the industry leader by offering a more efficient service at half the price.
  3. 5 to test someone's skills (v.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate

    to be difficult in a way that makes someone work hard or think a lot.

    to stimulate someone's interest or test their ability by presenting them with a difficult task.

    Example

    The teacher always tries to challenge her students with hard math problems.

    Example

    The new role was designed to challenge her creatively, pushing her to develop skills she had never used in her previous position.
  4. 6 to demand identification (v.)
    C1 Advanced Formal Military

    to stop someone and ask them who they are or for a secret password.

    to signal a person to stop and give a countersign or identification.

    Example

    The guard challenged the stranger at the gate and asked for his ID.

    Example

    Sentries were instructed to challenge anyone approaching the perimeter after nightfall to prevent unauthorised entry into the compound.
Origin

From Middle English chalenge, variant with palatalization of Middle English kalange (“an accusation, claim”), from Old French chalenge, chalonge, palatalized Central French variants of Old Northern French calenge, calonge (see Continental Norman calengier), from Latin calumnia (“a false accusation, calumny”). Cognate with Old English hōl (“calumny”). Doublet of calumny.

Word family
Idioms1 entry

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