At‐tempt″ (?; 215), v. t. [imp. & p. p.Attempted; p. pr. & vb. n.Attempting.] [OF. atenter, also spelt atempter, F. attenter, fr. L. attentare to attempt; ad + tentare, temptare, to touch, try, v. intens. of tendere to stretch. See Tempt, and cf. Attend.] 1. To make trial or experiment of; to try; to endeavor to do or perform (some action); to assay; as, to attempt to sing; to attempt a bold flight.
Something attempted, something done,
Has earned a night's repose.
Longfellow.
2. To try to move, by entreaty, by afflictions, or by temptations; to tempt.
It made the laughter of an afternoon
That Vivien should attempt the blameless king.
Thackeray.
3. To try to win, subdue, or overcome; as, one who attempts the virtue of a woman.
Dear sir, of force I must attempt you further:
Take some remembrance of us, as a tribute.
Shak.
4. To attack; to make an effort or attack upon; to try to take by force; as, to attempt the enemy's camp.
Without attempting his adversary's life.
Motley.
Syn. — See Try.