a request made to the judge during voir dire that a prospective juror be removed for some specific reason. For example, a juror with some relationship to either the prosecution or the defense may be removed as a result of a challenge for cause. Compare peremptory challenge.
1. a person or object that substitutes for the role of an individual who has a significant position in a family or group. See father surrogate; mother surrogate.
2. more generally, any person or entity that substitutes for another.