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

Through their fantastical ordeals, the X-Men illustrate qualities that inspire viewers, young and old. — Carlos Aguilar, Los Angeles Times, 10 July 2026

Incident comes after tenants’ lawsuit The ordeal comes less than a week after eight tenants with the North Lawn Tenant Union filed lawsuits against Levovitz, according to a July 2 news release from Joseph. — Caroline Zimmerman, Kansas City Star, 8 July 2026

Bots, scalpers and inflated resale prices have turned major on-sales into a frustrating ordeal for fans, but regulators and artists are finally starting to push back. — Lauren Schuster, Sacbee.com, 6 July 2026

At the end of the ordeal, the women drove off in his Mazda, leaving him barefoot in the grocery store parking lot, authorities said. — Nate Gartrell, Mercury News, 3 July 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
• genteel

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