I. ə-ˈtem(p)t 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 -ˈtem(p)-tə-bəl 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
II. noun
Date: 1534
1.
a. : the act or an instance of attempting ; especially : an unsuccessful effort
b. : something resulting from or representing an attempt
surrounded by…a few attempt s at rose bushes — Marian Engel
2. : attack , assault
an attempt on the life of the president