herausfordern
/həˈʁaʊ̯sˌfɔʁdɐn/
to challenge
Er hat mich herausgefordert, ein Rennen zu laufen.
He challenged me to run a race.
general
To challenge someone to do something difficult or compete against them.
Sie hat mich herausgefordert, ein schwieriges Rätsel zu lösen.
She challenged me to solve a difficult puzzle.
Often used in competitive or motivational contexts.
Collocations
jemanden zu etwas herausfordernto challenge someone to do somethingsich selbst herausfordernto challenge oneself
Synonyms
Pro Tip
Common Usage
Use 'herausfordern' when someone is being actively challenged to do something or compete.
Word Origin
From the prefix 'heraus-' (out) and 'fordern' (to demand), literally meaning 'to demand out' or 'to challenge out'.
Usage Notes
Can be used both literally (e.g., in sports) and figuratively (e.g., challenging someone's beliefs).
Word Breakdown
heraus-
out
prefixfordern
to demand
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