strove
Webster's Dictionary (GCIDE)
Strive \Strive\, v. i. [imp. Strove; p. p. Striven(Rarely, Strove); p. pr. & vb. n. Striving.] [OF. estriver; of Teutonic origin, and akin to G. streben, D. streven, Dan. straebe, Sw. str[aum]fva. Cf. Strife.]
1.To make efforts; to use exertions; to endeavor with earnestness; to labor hard. [1913 Webster]
Was for this his ambition strove To equal Caesar first, and after, Jove?— Cowley.[1913 Webster]
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. --Chaucer. [1913 Webster]
My Spirit shall not always strive with man.— Gen. vi. 3.[1913 Webster]
Why dost thou strive against him?— Job xxxiii. 13.[1913 Webster]
Now private pity strove with public hate, Reason with rage, and eloquence with fate.— Denham.[1913 Webster]
3.To vie; to compete; to be a rival. --Chaucer. [1913 Webster]
[Not] that sweet grove Of Daphne, by Orontes and the inspired Castalian spring, might with this paradise Of Eden strive.— Milton.[1913 Webster]
Syn: To contend; vie; struggle; endeavor; aim. [1913 Webster]