Definition of "challenge" in English

noun

1. A confrontation; a dare.

2. A difficult task, especially one that the person making the attempt finds more enjoyable because of that difficulty.

3. (law) A procedure or action.

4. (hunting) The opening and crying of hounds upon first finding the scent of their game.

verb

1. (transitive) To invite (someone) to take part in a competition.

   • We challenged the boys next door to a game of football.

2. (transitive) To dare (someone).

3. (transitive) To dispute (something); to contest.

   • to challenge the accuracy of a statement or of a quotation

4. To call something into question or dispute.

   • New information challenged old hypotheses.

5. (law, transitive) To make a formal objection to a juror.

6. (transitive) To be difficult or challenging for.

7. (obsolete, transitive) To claim as due; to demand as a right.

8. (obsolete, transitive) To censure; to blame.

9. (military, transitive) To question or demand the countersign from (one who attempts to pass the lines).

   • The sentinel challenged us with "Who goes there?"

10. (US, transitive) To object to the reception of the vote of, e.g. on the ground that the person is not qualified as a voter.

11. (Canada, US, transitive) To take (a final exam) in order to get credit for a course without taking it.