Attempt Definition
- be lazy
The intentional and overt taking of a substantial step toward the commission of a crime that falls short of completing the crime. The mere planning of a crime, as well as soliciting another to commit the crime, does not constitute an attempt to commit the crime. Attempt is a crime distinct from the offense that the criminal was attempting to commit. Various legal tests are used to determine when, between planning a crime and committing it, a person’s actions constitute an attempt. See also conspiracy and solicitation.
- to try to kill
Idioms, Phrasal Verbs Related to Attempt
- attempt the life of
Origin of Attempt
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Late 14th century, 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.
From Wiktionary
Middle English attempten from Old French attempter from Latin attemptāre ad- ad- temptāre to test
From American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language, 5th Edition
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