strive

Etymology 1

From Middle English striven (“to strive”), from Old French estriver (“to compete, quarrel”), from Frankish *strīban (“to exert, make an effort”) from Proto-Germanic *strībaną, or from Frankish *stribēn (“to strive”) from Proto-Germanic *stribāną.

verb

1. To try to achieve a result; to make strenuous effort; to try earnestly and persistently.
   He strove to excel.
   We strive for the truth.
   Though the writer has striven to dwell on aspects that have passed, or are passing away, it will be apparent that many features of Midland practice have been adopted as standard for the L.M.S.R. and other railways. 1946 May and June, J. Alan Rannie, “The Midland of 35 Years Ago”, in Railway Magazine, page 200
   Moreover, on several occasions, terminus stations such as Nine Elms, Bishop's Bridge, Maiden Lane and Bishopgate were built rather further away from the centre of London, only to be dispensed with as the various railway companies strove to get as near as possible to the lucrative markets of the City and the West End. January 13 2021, Christian Wolmar, “Read all about London's Cathedrals of Steam”, in RAIL, number 922, page 62
2. To struggle in opposition; to be in contention or dispute; to contend; to contest.
   to strive against fate
3. To vie; to compete as a rival.

Etymology 2

noun

1. (obsolete) Alternative form of strife