Definition of: challenge

(chal′ənj) v. ·lenged, ·leng·ing v.t.
1. To dare to a contest or trial of superiority.
2. To invite to personal combat: to challenge to a duel.
3. To invite or defy, as scrutiny or proof: to challenge criticism.
4. To claim as due, as attention or respect.
5. To call in question; dispute; object to, as a choice of jurors.
6. Mil. To stop and demand a countersign of, as a sentry does.
—v.i.
7. To utter or make a challenge.
8. In hunting, to open and cry, as hounds on picking up the scent.
—noun
1. A call or defiance to personal contest; a dare or summons to fight, especially to a duel.
2. A formal objection or exception to a person or thing.
3. Mil. A sentry's call, requiring one to halt and give the countersign.
4. Telecom. An electromagnetic signal requesting identification, as in radar communication. [<OF chalenger <LL calumniare accuse falsely <calumnia slander. Doublet of CALUMNY.]
—chal′lenge·a·ble adjective
—chal′leng·er noun