Definition of "attempt" []

• To try to perform, make, or achieve: attempted to read the novel in one sitting; attempted a difficult dive. (verb-transitive)
• Archaic To tempt. (verb-transitive)
• Archaic To attack with the intention of subduing. (verb-transitive)
• An effort or a try. (noun)
• An attack; an assault: an attempt on someone's life. (noun)

American Heritage(R) Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition. Copyright (c) 2011 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.

• "He was unhappily deceived in his attempt, which certainly would have been confidered as an a£t of conlum* mate bravery, had it been fuppofed, within the bounds o£ poiTibility, for fortune to have favoured his attempt* That not being the cafe, thole who would have rejoiced in the former iniiance When beftowing on him that tribute of applaufe juftly due to a gallant a£t, were compelled to be content with the fileni tear of compaflSon for the unhappjr fate of a raih and defperate man."
• "By shutting down all discussion, those who use the term attempt to create a Mannichean divide that actually lessens the chance that those they are discussing things with will be likely to hear, understand, and possibly accept theirviews."
• "By shutting down all discussion, those who use the term attempt to creat a Mannichean divide that actually lessens the chance that those they are discussing things with will be likely to hear, understansd, and possibly accept theirviews."