People who engage in a contest or competition, or those who question or oppose something established.
From Old French 'chalenge' (to accuse), derived from Latin 'calumnia' (false accusation). The meaning evolved to mean 'a summons to fight' and then 'someone who competes.'
The original meaning was about false accusations, but it transformed into meaning someone who contests or competes—showing how words shift toward more neutral or positive meanings over time! Champion sports teams are obsessed with their challengers because the underdog narrative makes for the best stories.
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