situation, state of affairs - the general state of things; the combination of circumstances at a given time; "the present international situation is dangerous"; "wondered how such a state of affairs had come about"; "eternal truths will be neither true nor eternal unless they have fresh meaning for every new social situation"- Franklin D.Roosevelt

speech act - the use of language to perform some act

dare, daring - a challenge to do something dangerous or foolhardy; "he could never refuse a dare"

confrontation - a bold challenge

call-out - a challenge to a fight or duel

defiance - a hostile challenge

calling into question, demand for explanation - a challenge to defend what someone has said

demand for identification - as by a sentry

gantlet, gauntlet - to offer or accept a challenge; "threw down the gauntlet"; "took up the gauntlet"

inquiring, questioning - a request for information

objection - the speech act of objecting

demand - an urgent or peremptory request; "his demands for attention were unceasing"

call - challenge the sincerity or truthfulness of; "call the speaker on a question of fact"

call - challenge (somebody) to make good on a statement; charge with or censure for an offense; "He deserves to be called on that"

contest, repugn, contend - to make the subject of dispute, contention, or litigation; "They contested the outcome of the race"

invite, bid - ask someone in a friendly way to do something

provoke, stimulate - provide the needed stimulus for

counterchallenge - challenge in turn; "The authentication was counterchallenged"

call into question, oppugn, question - challenge the accuracy, probity, or propriety of; "We must question your judgment in this matter"

impeach - challenge the honesty or credibility of; as of witnesses

impugn - attack as false or wrong

dare, defy - challenge; "I dare you!"

call one's bluff - ask to prove what someone is claiming; "John called Mary's bluff when she claimed she could prove the theorem in under an hour"

call out - challenge to a duel; "D'Artignan called out Pushkin"

remand, send back, remit - refer (a matter or legal case) to another committe or authority or court for decision

appeal - take a court case to a higher court for review; "He was found guilty but appealed immediately"

action, sue, litigate, process - institute legal proceedings against; file a suit against; "He was warned that the district attorney would process him"; "She actioned the company for discrimination"

litigate - engage in legal proceedings

call for, request, bespeak, quest - express the need or desire for; ask for; "She requested an extra bed in her room"; "She called for room service"

jurisprudence, law - the collection of rules imposed by authority; "civilization presupposes respect for the law"; "the great problem for jurisprudence to allow freedom while enforcing order"

object - express or raise an objection or protest or criticism or express dissent; "She never objected to the amount of work her boss charged her with"; "When asked to drive the truck, she objected that she did not have a driver's license"

appeal - challenge (a decision); "She appealed the verdict"