WordLens

challenge

1 of 2verb
/ˈtʃæləndʒ/
Forms:challenges,challenging,challenged,challenged
1

to invite someone to compete or strongly suggest they should do something, often to test their abilities or encourage action

transitive
  • She challenges her colleagues to a friendly chess match every Friday.
  • The coach challenges the team to improve their performance in the next game.
  • The professor challenges his students with thought-provoking assignments.
  • The manager is challenging the employees to come up with innovative ideas.
  • By this time, they have challenged each other in numerous debates.
2

to object to the legality or acceptability of something

B2transitive
  • The attorney sought to challenge the witness’s credibility during the trial.
  • The company challenged the new regulations imposed by the government.
  • He planned to challenge the results of the election based on alleged irregularities.
  • The defendant decided to challenge the validity of the evidence presented in court.
Synonyms:
3

to question or dispute something, especially by arguing that it is unjust or outdated

transitive
  • She bravely challenged the company's policy, arguing it was discriminatory.
  • They decided to challenge the outdated regulations, pushing for reform.
  • The scientist challenged the established theory with new evidence from her research.
  • He openly challenged the idea that technology was causing more harm than good.
  • She challenged the status quo, believing that change was necessary for progress.
4

to ask someone to prove their identity, often to verify they are allowed to enter or pass

transitive
  • The guard challenged the visitor to show their ID before granting access.
  • He was challenged by security and asked to present his identification.
  • As she approached the gate, the guard challenged her for identification.
  • They were stopped at the entrance and challenged to provide proof of who they were.
  • The guard challenged him with a stern look, expecting him to show his ID.