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 author, in her latest video on the falling-out with people on the project, hinted at a painful ordeal that unfolded on set, leaving fans scratching their heads and wondering what exactly happened and who was involved. — Emily St. Martin, Los Angeles Times, 30 July 2026

Clase’s camp has blamed the whole ordeal on a misinterpretation of texts and calls pertaining to rooster fighting. — Zack Meisel, New York Times, 28 July 2026

Without a family plan to split the bill, outfitting my household with LiveOne accounts becomes an expensive ordeal. — Gabriel Zamora, PC Magazine, 28 July 2026

Following her health ordeal, Flynn is now working at Allegheny General Hospital as a patient care technician. — Nicholas Rice, PEOPLE, 26 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