give pain or trouble to; "I've been sorely tried by these students"
examine or hear (evidence or a case) by judicial process; "The jury had heard all the evidence"; "The case will be tried in California"
put on trial or hear a case and sit as the judge at the trial of; "The football star was tried for the murder of his wife"; "The judge tried both father and son in separate trials"
make an effort or attempt; "He tried to shake off his fears"; "The infant had essayed a few wobbly steps"; "The police attempted to stop the thief"; "He sought to improve himself"; "She always seeks to do good in the world"
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"; "she gave it a good try"
put to the test, as for its quality, or give experimental use to; "This approach has been tried with good results"; "Test this recipe"