- challenge
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—challengeable, adj.n.1. a call or summons to engage in any contest, as of skill, strength, etc.2. something that by its nature or character serves as a call to battle, contest, special effort, etc.: Space exploration offers a challenge to humankind.3. a call to fight, as a battle, a duel, etc.4. a demand to explain, justify, etc.: a challenge to the treasurer to itemize expenditures.5. difficulty in a job or undertaking that is stimulating to one engaged in it.6. Mil. the demand of a sentry for identification or a countersign.7. Law. a formal objection to the qualifications of a particular juror, to his or her serving, or to the legality of an entire jury. Cf. peremptory challenge.8. the assertion that a vote is invalid or that a voter is not legally qualified.9. Biol. the process of inducing or assessing physiological or immunological activity by exposing an organism to a specific substance.10. Hunting. the crying of a hound on finding a scent.v.t.11. to summon to a contest of skill, strength, etc.12. to take exception to; call in question: to challenge the wisdom of a procedure.13. to demand as something due or rightful.14. Mil. to halt and demand identification or countersign from.15. Law. to take formal exception to (a juror or jury).16. to have a claim to; invite; arouse; stimulate: a matter which challenges attention.17. to assert that (a vote) is invalid.18. to assert that (a voter) is not qualified to vote.19. to expose an organism to a specific substance in order to assess its physiological or immunological activity.20. Archaic. to lay claim to.v.i.21. to make or issue a challenge.22. Hunting. (of hounds) to cry or give tongue on picking up the scent.adj.23. donated or given by a private, corporate, or government benefactor on condition that the recipient raise an additional specified amount from the public: a challenge grant.[1175-1225; ME chalenge < OF, var. of chalonge < L calumnia CALUMNY]Syn. 11. dare, bid, invite. 12. question, impute, doubt.
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Universalium. 2010.
