attempt

 
Pronunciation: /əˈtɛm(p)t/

verb

[with object]
  • make an effort to achieve or complete (something difficult): she attempted a comeback in 2001 [with infinitive]: troops shot civilians who attempted to flee
  • try to climb to the top of (a mountain): the expedition was the first to attempt Everest
  • archaic try to take (a life): he would not have attempted the life of a friend

noun

  • an effort to achieve or complete a difficult task or action: [with infinitive]: an attempt to halt the bombings
  • an effort to surpass a record or conquer a mountain: an attempt on the unclimbed north-east ridge
  • a bid to kill someone: Karakozov made an attempt on the Tsar’s life
  • a thing produced as a result of trying to make or achieve something: she picked her first attempt at a letter out of the wastebasket

Origin:

late Middle English: from Old French attempter, from Latin attemptare, from ad- 'to' + temptare 'to tempt'