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

Those caught in tunnels faced a darker, more claustrophobic ordeal. —Marianne Lehnis, Forbes.com, 16 May 2025

For them, switching production to other countries such as India is an impossible ordeal. —Shuli Ren, Twin Cities, 16 May 2025

Renita Bock was hiking at Purgatory Creek with her son and went through a similar ordeal as Danos, Bock told the San Marcos Daily Record. —Mitchell Willetts, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 15 May 2025

The driver remained on the phone with a 911 dispatcher for nearly 20 minutes during the ordeal. —Killian Baarlaer, USA Today, 14 May 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

Rhymes for ordeal

• abele
• alkyl
• anneal
• appeal
• cartwheel
• conceal
• congeal
• coquille
• corneal
• cornmeal
• flywheel
• foveal

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