Meaning & Definition of word "Challenge"

Challenge

/ˈtʃælɪndʒ/

noun:

  • 1. A call to someone to participate in a contest or competition.
    • Example: She accepted the challenge to run a marathon.
  • 2. A difficult task or situation that tests someone's abilities.
    • Example: Climbing Mount Everest is a significant challenge for any climber.
  • 3. A dispute or denial of something.
    • Example: His challenge to the results of the election was dismissed by the court.

verb:

  • 1. To invite someone to engage in a contest or competition.
    • Example: He decided to challenge his friend to a game of chess.
  • 2. To confront or call into question.
    • Example: She decided to challenge the company's decision in court.
  • 3. To stimulate or incite someone to perform better.
    • Example: The coach's role is to challenge the players to improve their skills.

Etymology

Middle English: from Old French 'chalenge', based on Latin 'calumnia' meaning 'calumny'.

Common Phrases and Expressions

rise to the challenge:

To confront a difficulty successfully.

issue a challenge:

To provoke someone to compete or attempt something.

challenge accepted:

A phrase indicating agreement to undertake the challenge.

Related Words

contest:

A competition or struggle between rivals.

competition:

An event in which people compete for supremacy.

obstacle:

Something that makes it difficult for someone to achieve something.

Slang Meanings of challenge

Meaning: A fun or informal competition challenge.

Example Sentence: We created a TikTok dance challenge for the weekend.

Meaning: An intense situation where someone is pushed to prove themselves.

Example Sentence: That was a real challenge, but I loved the adrenaline!