Attempt
noun, verb ·Common ·High school level
Definitions
- 1 The action of trying at something.
"We made an attempt to cross the stream, but didn’t manage."
- 2 the act of attacking wordnet
- 3 An assault or attack, especially an assassination attempt.
"No man can charge us of any attempt against the realm."
- 4 earnest and conscientious activity intended to do or accomplish something wordnet
- 5 A substantial but unsuccessful effort (to commit a crime).
"Whoever voluntarily abandons the further commission of the offence or prevents its completion incurs no penalty for attempt."
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- 6 An act of trying to commit suicide
"Her attempt was not successful, and resulted in her being hospitalized."
- 1 To try.
"to attempt an escape from prison"
- 2 enter upon an activity or enterprise wordnet
- 3 To try to move, by entreaty, by afflictions, or by temptations; to tempt. obsolete
"Yet since I see you fearful, that neither my coat, integrity, nor persuasion can with ease attempt you, I will go further than I meant, to pluck all fears out of you."
- 4 make an effort or attempt wordnet
- 5 To try to win, subdue, or overcome. archaic
"one who attempts the virtue of a woman"
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- 6 To attack; to make an effort or attack upon; to try to take by force. archaic
"to attempt the enemy’s camp"
- 7 To make a substantial but unsuccessful effort (to commit a crime).
"Whoever takes a direct and immediate step towards the realisation of the offence as envisaged by them attempts to commit an offence."
Example
More examples"Our attempt has proved to be a failure."
Etymology
Late 14th century, as Middle English attempten, from Old French atempter, from Latin attemptō (“I try, solicit”), from ad (“to”) + temptare, more correctly tentare (“to try”); see tempt. The noun is from the 1530s, the sense "an assault on somebody's life, assassination attempt" (French attentat) is from 1580.