try very hard to do something or to make something happen, especially for a long time or against difficulties
National movements were striving for independence.
Mr Roe has kindled expectations that he must strive to live up to.
In her writing she strove for a balance between innovation and familiar prose forms.
struggle or fight vigorously
Scholars must strive against bias
Syms: try, attempt, endeavour, aim, aspire, venture...