Definition of attempt

< attelet

attend >

at·tempt    (-tmpt) KEY 

TRANSITIVE VERB:
at·tempt·ed, at·tempt·ing, at·tempts

1. To try to perform, make, or achieve: attempted to read the novel in one sitting; attempted a difficult dive.
2. Archaic To tempt.
3. Archaic To attack with the intention of subduing.

NOUN:

1. An effort or a try.
2. An attack; an assault: an attempt on someone's life.

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ETYMOLOGY:
Middle English attempten, from Old French attempter, from Latin attemptre : ad-, ad- + temptre, to test

OTHER FORMS:
at·tempta·ble(Adjective), at·tempter(Noun)