\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.
str[ae]be, Sw. str["a]fva. Cf. {Strife}.]
1. To make efforts; to use exertions; to endeavor with
   earnestness; to labor hard.
         Was for this his ambition strove To equal C[ae]sar
         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. --Chaucer.
         My Spirit shall not always strive with man. --Gen.
                                               vi. 3.
         Why dost thou strive against him?     --Job xxxiii.
                                               13.
         Now private pity strove with public hate, Reason
         with rage, and eloquence with fate.   --Denham.
3. To vie; to compete; to be a rival. --Chaucer.
         [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; struggle; endeavor; aim.

\Strive\, n.
1. An effort; a striving. [R.] --Chapman.
2. Strife; contention. [Obs.] --Wyclif (luke xxi. 9).