n.
Pronunciation: ə - ' tem(p)t
Function: transitive verb
Etymology: Middle English, from Anglo-French & Latin; Anglo-French attempter, from Latin attemptare, from ad- + temptare to touch, try ― more at TEMPT
Date: 14th century
1 : to make an effort to do, accomplish, solve, or effect < attempt ed to swim the swollen river>
2 archaic : TEMPT
3 archaic : to try to subdue or take by force : ATTACK
– at · tempt · able \ - ' tem(p)-t ə -b ə l \ adjective
synonyms 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>.