attempt
/əˈtɛmpt/ · at·tempt
noun
- The action of trying at something It was worth the attempt.
- An assault or attack, especially an assassination attempt 1584 No man can charge us of any attempt against the realm.
verb
- To try A group of 80 budding mountaineers attempted Kilimanjaro, but 30 of them didn't make it to the top.
- To try to move, by entreaty, by afflictions, or by temptations; to tempt The devil attempts to lead people astray with promises of power and wealth.
- To try to win, subdue, or overcome One who attempts the virtue of a woman must be prepared to face the consequences of their actions.
Did you know? The word 'attempt' has been used in various famous works of literature, including Shakespeare's plays, where it is often used to describe a character's efforts to achieve a goal or overcome an obstacle. One notable example is in 'Macbeth', where the titular character attempts to seize the throne of Scotland.