attempt
noun
earnest and conscientious activity intended to do or accomplish something
“made an effort to cover all the reading material”
“wished him luck in his endeavor”
the act of attacking
“attacks on women increased last year”
“they made an attempt on his life”
Synonymsattack
verb
make an effort or attempt
“He tried to shake off his fears”
“The infant had essayed a few wobbly steps”
enter upon an activity or enterprise
Source: WordNet 3.1, Princeton University