attempt attempt /əˈtɛmpt/

noun

1. () Earnest and conscientious activity intended to do or accomplish something  ( endeavour [Canadian, British] , endeavor [American] , try , attempt , effort )
   earnest and conscientious activity intended to do or accomplish something
    Made an effort to cover all the reading material
   made an effort to cover all the reading material
    Wished him luck in his endeavor
   wished him luck in his endeavor
    She gave it a good try
   she gave it a good try
   
2. () The act of attacking  ( attack , attempt )
   the act of attacking
    Attacks on women increased last year
   attacks on women increased last year
    They made an attempt on his life
   they made an attempt on his life
   

verb

1. () Make an effort or attempt  ( assay , essay , seek , attempt , try )
   make an effort or attempt
    He tried to shake off his fears
   He tried to shake off his fears
    The infant had essayed a few wobbly steps
   The infant had essayed a few wobbly steps
    The police attempted to stop the thief
   The police attempted to stop the thief
    He sought to improve himself
   He sought to improve himself
    She always seeks to do good in the world
   She always seeks to do good in the world
   
2. () Enter upon an activity or enterprise  ( set about , attempt , undertake )
   enter upon an activity or enterprise