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Added 7 October 2026

challenge

/ˈt͡ʃæl.ɪnd͡ʒ/ noun

In Latin: prōvocātiō Wiktionary

noun Definition from Wiktionary (CC BY-SA). Pronunciation from Wiktionary, via Kaikki.org. More about challenge at Wordnik → Where our words come from →

A confrontation; a dare. An antagonization or instigation intended to convince a person to perform an action they otherwise would not. A bid to overcome something.
a challenge to the king's authority
An antagonization or instigation intended to convince a person to perform an action they otherwise would not.
A bid to overcome something.
a challenge to the king's authority

verb

To invite (someone) to take part in a competition.
We challenged the boys next door to a game of football.
To dare (someone).
To dispute (something); to contest.
to challenge the accuracy of a statement or of a quotation

Origin

From Middle English chalenge, variant with palatalization of Middle English kalange (“an accusation, claim”), from Old French chalenge, chalonge, palatalized Central French variants of Old Northern French calenge, calonge (see Continental Norman calengier), from Latin calumnia (“a false accusation, calumny”). Cognate with Old English hōl (“calumny”). Doublet of calumny.

From Wiktionary, via Kaikki.org (CC BY-SA)

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