Strive

v. i.
  1. To make efforts; to use exertions; to endeavor with earnestness; to labor hard.
  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.
  3. To vie; to compete; to be a rival.

n.
  1. An effort; a striving.
  2. Strife; contention.