challenge

chal•lenge

[[t]ˈtʃæl ɪndʒ[/t]] n. v. -lenged, -leng•ing

1) a summons to engage in contest, as of skill or strength

2) something that by its nature or character serves as a serious test:

Space exploration offers a challenge to humankind[/ex]

3) a call to fight, as in a duel

4) a demand to explain, justify, etc

5) difficulty in a job or undertaking that is stimulating to one engaged in it

6) mil the demand of a military sentry for identification or a countersign

7) law a formal objection to the qualifications of a juror or jury

8) gov the assertion that a vote is invalid or that a voter is not legally qualified

9) med lab the assessment of a specific function in an organism by exposing it to a provocative substance or activity

10) to summon to a contest

11) to take exception to; call in question

12) to demand as something due or rightful

13) mil to halt and demand identification or a countersign from

14) law to take formal exception to (a juror or jury)

15) to invite; arouse:

a matter which challenges attention[/ex]

16) gov to assert that (a vote) is invalid

17) gov to assert that (a voter) is not qualified to vote

18) med lab to inject (an organism) with a specific substance to assess its physiological or immunological activity

19) to issue a challenge

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Etymology: 1175–1225; MEchalenge< OF chalonge < L calumnia calumny chal′lenge•a•ble, adj.