ordeal

ordeal

noun

Definition of ORDEAL

a test of faith, patience, or strength <the hikers were finally rescued after a three-day ordeal in the wilderness>

Synonyms cross, crucible, fire, gauntlet (also gantlet), ordeal

Related Words baptism, initiation; adversity, affliction, asperity, misadventure, mischance, misfortune, mishap, privation, tragedy, tribulation, trouble, vicissitude, woe; acid test, litmus test; challenge, complication, difficulty, grief, grievance, hardship, rigor; annoyance, discomfort, inconvenience, nuisance