attempt

play

verb at·tempt \ə-ˈtem(p)t\

Definition of attempt

transitive verb
1 : to make an effort to do, accomplish, solve, or effect He attempted to swim the swollen river.
2 archaic : tempt
3 archaic : to try to subdue or take by force : attack

attemptable

play \-ˈtem(p)-tə-bəl\ adjective

See attempt defined for English-language learners

See attempt defined for kids

Examples of attempt in a Sentence

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

Origin and Etymology 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

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

attempt

noun at·tempt

Definition of attempt

1a : the act or an instance of trying to do or accomplish something : an act or instance of attempting something She failed the test on her first attempt but passed on her second attempt. They made an attempt [=tried] to be helpful.; often : an unsuccessful effort a suicide attemptb : something resulting from or representing an attempt … surrounded by lemon trees and a few attempts at rose bushes. — Marian Engel
2 : attack, assault an attempt on the life of the president

See attempt defined for English-language learners

Examples of attempt in a Sentence

She failed her driving test on the first attempt but she succeeded on her second attempt.
Her attempt at a home-cooked meal consisted of frozen fish sticks and a can of soup.

Origin and Etymology of attempt

see ¹attempt

First Known Use: circa 1534

ATTEMPT Defined for English Language Learners

attempt

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verb

Definition of attempt for English Language Learners

: to try to do (something) : to try to accomplish or complete (something)

attempt

noun

Definition of attempt for English Language Learners

: an act of trying to do something
: something that results from trying to do something

ATTEMPT Defined for Kids

attempt

play

verb at·tempt \ə-ˈtempt\

Definition of attempt for Students

attempted

;

attempting

: to try to do, accomplish, or complete attempt to win

attempt

play

noun at·tempt

Definition of attempt for Students

: the act or an instance of trying to do something They made two attempts to climb the mountain.

Law Dictionary

attempt

noun at·tempt

Legal Definition of attempt

: the crime of having the intent to commit and taking action in an effort to commit a crime that fails or is prevented —called also criminal attempt — see also impossibility