a demanding or stimulating situation; they reacted irrationally to the challenge of Russian power'

a call to engage in a contest or fight

questioning a statement and demanding an explanation; his challenge of the assumption that Japan is still our enemy'

a formal objection to the selection of a particular person as a juror

a demand by a sentry for a password or identification

take exception to; She challenged his claims

[ Syn: dispute , gainsay ]

issue a challenge to; Fischer challenged Spassky to a match'

ask for identification; The illegal immigrant was challenged by the border guard'

raise a formal objection in a court of law

[ Syn: take exception ]