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 many, many meetings During a two-day stretch in early May, 25 players went through the same ordeal as Ruiz. —Spencer Nusbaum, New York Times, 28 May 2026

The Fay in downtown San Jose was purchased by an alliance of real estate executives, ending a foreclosure ordeal that arrived on the heels of a pilot program to create affordable housing in the apartment tower. —George Avalos, Mercury News, 28 May 2026

With two weeks to go until the World Cup, more cities and towns in Massachusetts are getting the green light from FIFA to host watch parties after what's been a frustrating ordeal for some. —Neal Riley, CBS News, 28 May 2026

The four swam to the eastern part of the Chandeleur Islands, where they were stranded for hours as the ordeal left them tired. —David Chiu, PEOPLE, 27 May 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