| 释义 |
chal·lenge
I. \ˈchalə̇nj, -ēnj\ verb
(-ed/-ing/-s)
Etymology: Middle English chalengen, calengen to accuse, claim, from Old French chalengier & Old North French calengier, from Latin calumniari to accuse falsely — more at calumniate
transitive verb
1. obsolete : to bring a charge against : accuse
< challenge the enemy to be the aggressor >
2.
a. obsolete : to assert a right, title, or claim to
< he challenged half the ransom >
b. : to call for, often as if possessing a natural right : require, demand
< an event that challenges explanation >
< Homer of all Greek poets challenges first place >
— often used of an attitude, ability, or psychological response
< survival in enemy territory challenges skill >
3.
a. : to call into question especially for verification, explanation, or justification : question, examine
< I have constantly challenged my own principles — A.L.Guérard >
< by challenging the opinions current among young people — M.R.Cohen >
b. of a sentry : halt
< challenge an unknown person >
4.
a. : to dispute especially as being unjust, invalid, or outmoded : take exception to : impugn
< with recent discoveries challenging our former notions not only of the Neanderthal … fossils but of Homo sapiens as well — R.W.Murray >
b. : to question formally the legality or legal qualifications of (as a vote or voter during elections, a juror or member of a court)
5.
a. : to summon boldly or defiantly : dare — used with the infinitive
< challenge an opponent to show his evidence >
b. : to summon to fight or duel, often in answer to an affront
c. : to invite into competition
< the Australian team challenged the Americans to meet them next summer >
< Germany challenged the world in science and then, alas, in arms — G.C.Sellery >
6. : arouse
< new ideas to challenge your interest >
: stimulate, excite
< temptation challenges them at every turn >
< we must bring the discussion back to … where once again it challenges the imagination — A.E.Stevenson b. 1900 >
7. : to administer a challenge (sense 6) to (a person) : test (immunity) by administration of infective material
intransitive verb
1. of a hound : to give tongue on finding scent
2. : to make, present, or appear as a challenge
< when the appropriate moment challenged, he was capable of … leadership — C.H.Driver >
3. : to take legal exception : object
Synonyms: see face
II. noun
(-s)
Etymology: Middle English chalenge, calenge claim, accusation, challenge, from Old French chalenge & Old North French calenge, from Old French chalengier & Old North French calengier, v.
1. obsolete : the act or action of accusing : reproach, objection
2. obsolete : a demand of a right : claim
3.
a. : a calling to account or into question (as to obtain justification, verification, or information)
< a challenge to the chairman to explain a ruling >
: exception, protest
< a challenge to unauthorized use of public funds >
b. : a formal exception taken to a juror or jurors arrayed for the trial of a cause but before they are sworn; also : a similar exception to a member of a court-martial
c. : words or distinctive sounds used by a sentry to cause an unidentified individual to halt and establish identity
d. : an exception taken to a voter or vote at the polls as not being legally qualified or valid
4.
a. : a summons often threatening, provocative, stimulating, or inciting
< an unholy challenge to peace and security >
< a challenge to uphold the spirit of democracy >
specifically : a summons to a duel especially as answer to an affront
b. : an invitation to compete especially in a sport
< a challenge tennis match >
c. : the crying of a hound when first scenting game
5. : something that is to be striven for
< the challenge today is not merely to improve the material standards of living, but actually to maintain existing standards — S.G.Hanson >
6. immunology : test; specifically : a test of immunity by exposure to virulent infective material after specific immunization |