a competition to do better than other people, usually in which prizes are given

a dance/sports contest 舞蹈／体育比赛

She's won a lot of beauty contests. 她多次在选美大赛中获胜。

an attempt, usually against difficulties, to win an election or to get power or control

The contest for the leadership of the party was very bitter. 该党领袖职务的竞选争夺非常激烈。

The primary in Iowa is the first contest for the Republican nomination. 爱荷华州的初选是争夺共和党提名候选人的第一站。

If you contest a formal statement, a claim, a judge's decision, or a legal case, you say formally that it is wrong or unfair and try to have it changed.

We will certainly contest any claims made against the safety of our products. 我们肯定会驳斥任何批评我们产品安全性的说法。

to compete for something

The medal is being keenly contested by eight gymnasts. 八名体操运动员在激烈争夺这枚奖牌。

to attempt to win an election or to get power or control

She could win, since only two people are contesting the seat and the other candidate is very unpopular. 她大有希望获胜，因为只有两个人争夺这个位置，而另一个候选人很不得人心。