challenge - Definition | Dictionary definition of challenge

Definition of challenge

a demanding or stimulating situation

"they reacted irrationally to the challenge of Russian power"

Type of:: situation, state of affairs
the general state of things; the combination of circumstances at a given time

a call to engage in a contest or fight

Types:: show 7 types...; hide 7 types...; dare, daring
a challenge to do something dangerous or foolhardy; confrontation
a bold challenge; call-out
a challenge to a fight or duel; defiance
a hostile challenge; calling into question, demand for explanation
a challenge to defend what someone has said; demand for identification
as by a sentry; gantlet, gauntlet
to offer or accept a challenge

questioning a statement and demanding an explanation

"his challenge of the assumption that Japan is still our enemy"

a formal objection to the selection of a particular person as a juror

a demand by a sentry for a password or identification

take exception to

"She challenged his claims"

Types:: call
challenge the sincerity or truthfulness of; call
challenge (somebody) to make good on a statement; charge with or censure for an offense

Type of:: contend, contest, repugn
to make the subject of dispute, contention, or litigation

issue a challenge to

"Fischer challenged Spassky to a match"

Types:: show 19 types...; hide 19 types...; provoke, stimulate
provide the needed stimulus for; entice, lure, tempt
provoke someone to do something through (often false or exaggerated) promises or persuasion; rejuvenate
cause (a stream or river) to erode, as by an uplift of the land; jog
stimulate to remember; incite, instigate, set off, stir up
provoke or stir up; agitate, foment, stir up
try to stir up public opinion; counterchallenge
challenge in turn; call into question, oppugn, question
challenge the accuracy, probity, or propriety of; impeach
challenge the honesty or veracity of; impugn
attack as false or wrong; dare, defy
challenge; brazen
face with defiance or impudence; call one's bluff
ask to prove what someone is claiming; call out
challenge to a duel; remand, remit, send back
refer (a matter or legal case) to another committee or authority or court for decision; appeal
take a court case to a higher court for review; action, litigate, process, sue
institute legal proceedings against; file a suit against; expedite
process fast and efficiently; litigate
engage in legal proceedings