attempt

¹at·tempt

verb \ə-ˈtem(p)t\

Definition of ATTEMPT

transitive verb

1

: to make an effort to do, accomplish, solve, or effect <attempted to swim the swollen river>

2

archaic : tempt

3

archaic : to try to subdue or take by force : attack

— at·tempt·able \-ˈtem(p)-tə-bəl\ adjective

Examples of ATTEMPT

1. They've attempted a climb up Mount Everest once before.
2. She attempted suicide early in their marriage.

Origin of ATTEMPT

Middle English, from Anglo-French & Latin; Anglo-French attempter, from Latin attemptare, from ad- + temptare to touch, try — more at tempt

First Known Use: 14th century

Related to ATTEMPT

Synonyms: assay, endeavor, essay, seek, strive, try, have a go at, shoot at (or shoot for), try one's hand (at)

Related Words: fight, strain, struggle, toil, trouble, work; aim, aspire, hope; assume, take up, undertake

Near Antonyms: drop, give up, quit

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Synonym Discussion of ATTEMPT

attempt, try, endeavor, essay, strive mean to make an effort to accomplish an end. attempt stresses the initiation or beginning of an effort <will attempt to photograph the rare bird>. try is often close to attempt but may stress effort or experiment made in the hope of testing or proving something <tried to determine which was the better procedure>. endeavor heightens the implications of exertion and difficulty <endeavored to find crash survivors in the mountains>. essay implies difficulty but also suggests tentative trying or experimenting <will essay a dramatic role for the first time>. strive implies great exertion against great difficulty and specifically suggests persistent effort <continues to strive for peace>.