Trying to give thanks hurt (7)
I believe the answer is:
tasting
'trying' is the definition.
('taste' can be a synonym of 'try')
'give thanks hurt' is the wordplay.
'give' means one lot of letters go next to another.
'thanks' becomes 'ta' (UK informal version of 'thank you').
'hurt' becomes 'sting' (if something stings, it hurts).
'ta' next to 'sting' is 'TASTING'.
'to' acts as a link.
(Other definitions for tasting that I've seen before include "Savouring" , "Sampling (food)" , "event with wine" .)