Attempt crazy return (4)
I believe the answer is:
stab
'attempt' is the definition.
(to have a stab is to attempt something)
'crazy return' is the wordplay.
'crazy' becomes 'bats' (bats can informally mean crazy).
'return' says the letters should be written in reverse.
'bats' back-to-front is 'STAB'.
(Other definitions for stab that I've seen before include "Puncture" , "Wound with blade" , "pink" , "Wound with pointed weapon" , "Sudden sharp pain" .)