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 of ordeal

• gauntlet
• trial
• fire
• cross

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 ordeal, which exposed fierce acrimony between House and Senate Republicans, left thousands of workers without pay, upended air travel and jeopardized Americans' safety. —Nicole Fallert, USA Today, 1 May 2026

The matches themselves are an ordeal, but outside of that, not paying attention to overly or mischievously negative noise helps. —Amy Lawrence, New York Times, 1 May 2026

In his remarks after the hearing Wednesday, Parente said the entire ordeal was a big waste of resources, particularly given the brutality of the federal agents who participated in Midway Blitz. —Jason Meisner, Chicago Tribune, 29 Apr. 2026

Garrison noted the ordeal has taken a significant toll. —Chelsea Jones, Miami Herald, 29 Apr. 2026

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