ordeal

noun

or·deal | \ ȯr-ˈdē(-ə)l ,

ˈȯr-ˌdē(-ə)l \

Definition of ordeal

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.

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Examples of ordeal in a Sentence

the hikers were finally rescued after a three-day ordeal in the wilderness

Recent Examples on the Web

Lertwilairattanapong said the children had lost an average of 2 kg (4.4 lbs.) during the ordeal, according to CNN. — Stephanie Petit, PEOPLE.com, "Thai Cave Diver's Widow Sends Message to Soccer Players: 'Please Don't Blame Yourselves'," 12 July 2018 The trapped have been receiving food, oxygen, water and medicine to help keep their alive during the ordeal. — Scooby Axson, SI.com, "4 Youth Soccer Players Rescued From Thailand Cave," 8 July 2018 The ordeal was not just a physical struggle, but a mental one as well. — Jessie Spangler, Aurora Beacon-News, "A fitness instructor from Aurora has set 2 world records for planking," 30 June 2018 For Coughlin, the ordeal has been personally trying and professionally devastating. — Nestor Ramos, BostonGlobe.com, "Methuen woman fired for off-duty marijuana use files arbitration claim," 28 June 2018 For the handful of survivors, running frantically, the ordeal was not yet over. — William Langewiesche, The Atlantic, "An Extraordinarily Expensive Way to Fight ISIS," 21 June 2018 The arguments of Trump's lawyers are also likely motivated by a long-term goal of sparing the President the ordeal of testifying under oath, a scenario many of his allies believe would be a disaster given his proclivity not to tell the truth. — Stephen Collinson, CNN, "Trump's above-the-law presidency," 4 June 2018 Another officer accidentally shot himself during the ordeal and was taken to a local hospital, but his injuries were not considered life-threatening. — Lyndsay Winkley, latimes.com, "Woman is arrested after shots are fired near a marathon finish line in San Diego," 3 June 2018 The woman, who remained conscious during the ordeal, was stuck. — Michael Katz, idahostatesman, "Boise youth football team meets with couple they helped rescue from overturned car," 30 May 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'ordeal.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.