Thesuarus

Noun 2.
attempt - the act of attacking; "attacks on women increased last year"; "they made an attempt on his life"
attack
crime, criminal offence, criminal offense, law-breaking, offense, offence - (criminal law) an act punishable by law; usually considered an evil act; "a long record of crimes"
assault - a threatened or attempted physical attack by someone who appears to be able to cause bodily harm if not stopped

n.
1. An effort or a try.
2. An attack; an assault: an attempt on someone's life.
[Middle English attempten, from Old French attempter, from Latin attemptre : ad-, ad- + temptre, to test.]