challenge
chal·lenge / ˈchalənj/ • n. 1. a call to take part in a contest or competition, esp. a duel: he accepted the challenge. ∎ a task or situation that tests someone's abilities. ∎ an attempt to win a contest or championship in a sport: a world title challenge.2. an objection or query as to the truth of something, often with an implicit demand for proof: a challenge to the legality of the order. ∎ a sentry's call for a password or other proof of identity. ∎ Law an objection regarding the eligibility or suitability of a jury member.3. Med. exposure of the immune system to pathogenic organisms or antigens.• v. [tr.] 1. invite (someone) to engage in a contest: he challenged one of my men to a duel. ∎ enter into competition with or opposition against. ∎ make a rival claim to or threaten someone's hold on (a position): they were challenging his leadership. ∎ [tr.] invite (someone) to do something that one thinks will be difficult or impossible; dare: I challenged them to make up their own minds. ∎ [usu. as adj.] (challenging) test the abilities of: challenging and rewarding employment.2. dispute the truth or validity of: employees challenged the company's requirement. ∎ Law object to (a jury member). ∎ (of a sentry) call on (someone) for proof of identity.3. Med. expose (the immune system) to pathogenic organisms or antigens.DERIVATIVES: chal·lenge·a·ble adj.chal·leng·er n.chal·leng·ing·ly adv.ORIGIN: Middle English (in the senses ‘accusation’ and ‘accuse’): from Old French chalenge (noun), chalenger (verb), from Latin calumnia ‘calumny,’ calumniari ‘calumniate.’
challenge
So challenge vb. XIII. ME. c(h)alange — OF. c(h)alengier :- L. calumniārī CALUMNIATE.