ordeal

noun

or·​deal ȯr-ˈdē(-ə)l 

ˈȯr-ˌdē(-ə)l

1

: a primitive means used to determine guilt or innocence by submitting the accused to dangerous or painful tests believed to be under supernatural control

ordeal by fire

ordeal by water

2

: a severe trial or experience

Being trapped in an elevator was a harrowing ordeal for the shoppers.

Synonyms

• cross
• crucible
• fire
• gauntlet
• gantlet
• trial

Examples of ordeal in a Sentence

the hikers were finally rescued after a three-day ordeal in the wilderness

Recent Examples on the Web

Kaine said she’s grown wary of SpaceX’s response to the ordeal and the Starship program in general. —Jackie Wattles, CNN, 30 Jan. 2025

Killing is what kicked off this whole ordeal in the first place. —Larisha Paul, Rolling Stone, 29 Jan. 2025

The entire ordeal was captured by multiple videos and placed online. —Jonathan Granoff, Newsweek, 29 Jan. 2025

That these kids, who had been through so much disruption and trauma, were provided with this respite, was incredibly meaningful to their parents (including me) — many of whom were struggling through their own smoke-and-fire-related ordeals. —Jessica Gelt, Los Angeles Times, 27 Jan. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Middle English ordal, from Old English ordāl; akin to Old High German urteil judgment, Old English dāl division — more at deal entry 3

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

ordeal

noun

or·​deal ȯr-ˈdē(-ə)l 

1

: a method of deciding guilt or innocence by making the accused person take dangerous or painful tests

ordeal by fire

2

: a severe test or experience