Attempt

Quick meaning: Attempt is a verb meaning (criminal law) To make a substantial but unsuccessful effort (to commit a crime).

Meaning

(criminal law) To make a substantial but unsuccessful effort (to commit a crime).

More Meanings

1. The action of trying at something.
2. An assault or attack, especially an assassination attempt.
3. (criminal law) A substantial but unsuccessful effort (to commit a crime).
4. (obsolete) To try to move, by entreaty, by afflictions, or by temptations; to tempt.
5. (archaic) To try to win, subdue, or overcome.
6. (archaic) To attack; to make an effort or attack upon; to try to take by force.

Example Sentences

to attempt an escape from prison

I attempted to sing, but my throat was too hoarse.

Although it's hard to get right, please attempt to do so.

Something attempted, something done, / Has earned a night's repose.

Word Forms

• attempts
• attempting
• attempted
• attemptest
• attemptedst
• attempteth

Synonyms for attempt

Depending on context, synonyms include assay, essay, seek, effort, try, bid.

Related Words

Related dictionary entries include try, assay, endeavour, endeavor, seek, undertake.

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