Longman Dictionary of Contemporary English homepage

Date: 1300-1400
Language: Latin
Origin: attemptare, from ad- 'to' + temptare 'to touch, try'

attempt

2 verb
     
attempt2 S2 W2 [transitive]
1 to try to do something, especially something difficult
attempt to do something
In this chapter I will attempt to explain what led up to the revolution.
Weather conditions prevented them from attempting the jump.
2

attempted murder/suicide/rape etc

an act of trying to kill or harm someone, kill yourself etc:
He pleaded guilty to attempted murder.
Definition from the Longman Dictionary of Contemporary English
Advanced Learner's Dictionary.

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