Strive

v. i. [imp. STROVE, p. p. STRIVEN; p. pr. & vb. n. STRIVING.] [O. Fr. estriver, O. H. Ger. streben, M. & N. H. Ger. streben, L. Ger. streben, D. streven, Dan. stribe, Sw. sträfva] 1. To make efforts; to use exertions; to endeavor with earnestness; to labor hard. Was it for this that his ambition strove To equal Cæsar first, and after, Jove? Cowley. 2. To struggle in opposition; to be in contention or dispute; to contend; to contest; — followed by against or with before the person or thing opposed; as, strive against temptation; strive for the truth. My Spirit shall not always strive with man. Gen. vi. 3. 3. To strive together; to contend reciprocally. Now private pity strove with public hate, Reason with rage, and eloquence with fate. Derham. 4. To be comparable in excellence; hence, to vie; to compete. Not that sweet grove Of Daphne by Orontes, and the inspired Castalian spring, might with this paradise Of Eden strive. Milton. Syn.—To contend; vie; emulate; struggle; endeavor; aim; contest.