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

The incident recalled an ordeal Indenbaum faced in 2022, when his wife of 49 years died unexpectedly, prompting the widower to close her accounts and go through the paperwork, News 12 Long Island previously reported. —David Chiu, People.com, 31 Mar. 2025

My little brother, Phil, had just died after a terrible car crash and a six-year ordeal in a coma. —Mark Leibovich, The Atlantic, 31 Mar. 2025

Throughout the ordeal, doctors emphasized the complexity of his condition, given his age, lack of mobility (requiring a wheelchair) and the removal of part of a lung as a young man. —Colleen Barry and Trisha Thomas, Los Angeles Times, 29 Mar. 2025

In addition to exploring the emotional scars of Maddie’s kidnapping ordeal, Thursday’s episode of 9-1-1 also relocated viewers to El Paso, where Eddie hit several roadblocks on his quest to regain Christopher’s trust. —Andy Swift, TVLine, 27 Mar. 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