At·tempt v. t. [imp. & p. p. Attempted; p. pr. & vb. n. Attempting.]
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. [Obs. or Archaic]
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.
attempted
adj : tried unsuccessfully; "attempted murder"