attempt

Attempt is defined as to make an effort to do something.

(verb)

An example of attempt is to try to complete a large jigsaw puzzle in one sitting.

The definition of an attempt is an effort made to accomplish something.

(noun)

An example of an attempt is a baby trying to take his first few steps.

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See attempt in Webster's New World College Dictionary

transitive verb

  1. to make an effort to do, get, have, etc.; try; endeavor
  2. Archaic to tempt

Origin: ME attempten < OFr attempter < L attemptare, to try, solicit < ad-, to + temptare, to try: see tempt

noun

  1. a try
  2. an attack, as on a person's life

Related Forms:

See attempt in American Heritage Dictionary 4

transitive verb at·tempt·ed, at·tempt·ing, at·tempts
  1. To try to perform, make, or achieve: attempted to read the novel in one sitting; attempted a difficult dive.
  2. Archaic To tempt.
  3. Archaic To attack with the intention of subduing.
noun
  1. An effort or a try.
  2. An attack; an assault: an attempt on someone's life.

Origin:

Origin: Middle English attempten

Origin: , from Old French attempter

Origin: , from Latin attemptāre

Origin: : ad-, ad-

Origin: + temptāre, to test

.

Related Forms:

  • at·temptˈa·ble adjective
  • at·temptˈer noun

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