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

Amazingly, Mom stayed conscious and talking the entire time of this ordeal. —Philip Potempa, Chicago Tribune, 17 Jan. 2025

Earlier this month, Main Street Sports officially emerged from bankruptcy, ending a nearly two-year ordeal. —Alex Sherman, CNBC, 16 Jan. 2025

None of the hostages were physically harmed, though the psychological toll of the ordeal lingered. —Efrat Lachter, Fox News, 15 Jan. 2025

The entire ordeal has been called into question, with many stating that his removal could be racial profiling. —Yaakov Katz, Newsweek, 12 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