attempt

Definitions

1. verb

   To try to do something.

   Examples

   • The prisoner attempted to escape.
   • I attempted to sing, but my throat was sore.
2. verb

   In old-fashioned use, to try to tempt someone.

   Examples

   • Nothing could attempt him to give up his plan.
   • The villain attempted her with promises of gold.
3. verb

   In old-fashioned use, to try to win over or overcome someone.

   Examples

   • He tried to attempt her heart with gifts.
   • The knight attempted the guard with kind words.
4. verb

   To try to attack or take something by force.

   Examples

   • The soldiers attempted the enemy camp at night.
   • He never attempted his rival's life.
5. verb

   To try to commit a crime but fail.

   Examples

   • He was found guilty of trying to commit a robbery.
   • She attempted fraud but was caught.
6. noun

   An effort to do something.

   Examples

   • We made an attempt to cross the stream.
   • This poem is better than my weak attempt.
7. noun

   An attack, especially one meant to kill someone.

   Examples

   • Guards stopped the attempt on the president's life.
   • There was an attempt on his life last year.
8. noun

   A failed effort to commit a crime.

   Examples

   • The court found him guilty of the attempt.
   • She faced charges for the attempt, not the crime itself.
9. noun

   An act of trying to end one's own life.

   Examples

   • He survived a serious attempt in his twenties.
   • She received care in the hospital after an attempt.