challenge

views updated May 17 2018

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

views updated May 18 2018

challenge †accusation XIII; †claim; invitation to a contest XIV; legal exception taken XVI. ME. c(h)alenge — OF. :- L. calumnia false accusation, malicious action at law (see CALUMNY).
So challenge vb. XIII. ME. c(h)alange — OF. c(h)alengier :- L. calumniārī CALUMNIATE.

Challenge

views updated May 29 2018

Challenge woof! 1974 (PG)

When his entire family is killed, dad decides to seek revenge with his shotgun. Very bloody and violent and very nearly plotless. 90m/C VHS . Earl Owensby, William T. Hicks, Katheryn Thompson, Johnny Popwell; D: Martin Beck.