First Known Use: 14th century
Dictionary
1attempt
verb at·tempt \ə-ˈtem(p)t\
: to try to do (something) : to try to accomplish or complete (something)
Full Definition of ATTEMPT
transitive verb
1
: to make an effort to do, accomplish, solve, or effect <attempted to swim the swollen river>
2
archaic : tempt
See attempt defined for English-language learners
See attempt defined for kids
ADVERTISEMENT
Origin of ATTEMPT
Middle English, from Anglo-French & Latin; Anglo-French attempter, from Latin attemptare, from ad- + temptare to touch, try — more at tempt
Related to ATTEMPT
Synonym Discussion of ATTEMPT
attempt, try, endeavor, essay, strive mean to make an effort to accomplish an end. attempt stresses the initiation or beginning of an effort <will attempt to photograph the rare bird>. try is often close to attempt but may stress effort or experiment made in the hope of testing or proving something <tried to determine which was the better procedure>. endeavor heightens the implications of exertion and difficulty <endeavored to find crash survivors in the mountains>. essay implies difficulty but also suggests tentative trying or experimenting <will essay a dramatic role for the first time>. strive implies great exertion against great difficulty and specifically suggests persistent effort <continues to strive for peace>.
2attempt
noun
: an act of trying to do something
: something that results from trying to do something
Full Definition of ATTEMPT
1
a : the act or an instance of attempting; especially : an unsuccessful effort b : something resulting from or representing an attempt <surrounded by … a few attempts at rose bushes — Marian Engel>
See attempt defined for English-language learners
First Known Use of ATTEMPT
1534
Related to ATTEMPT
Rhymes with ATTEMPT
ATTEMPT Defined for Kids
1attempt
verb at·tempt \ə-ˈtempt\
at·tempt·edat·tempt·ing
Definition of ATTEMPT for Kids
: to try to do, accomplish, or complete <attempt to win>
2attempt
noun
Definition of ATTEMPT for Kids
: the act or an instance of trying to do something <They made two attempts to climb the mountain.>
Learn More About ATTEMPT
Browse
Next Word in the Dictionary: attendPrevious Word in the Dictionary: attemperatorAll Words Near: attempt
ADVERTISEMENT
Seen & Heard
What made you want to look up attempt? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).