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

Duffy, the Welsh singer who was abducted, held captive for weeks, and raped, leading to her retreat from the public eye, will give her account of the harrowing ordeal in a new Hulu Original documentary for Disney+. —Jazz Monroe, Pitchfork, 25 Mar. 2026

Surveillance video inside the efficiency captured the entire ordeal, deputies said. —Devoun Cetoute, Miami Herald, 25 Mar. 2026

Dean Puckett, United Kingdom, 2025 A single mother and her child are put through a nightmarish ordeal when a politician knocks on their door. —William Earl, Variety, 25 Mar. 2026

Since her ordeal Terranova is involved as a volunteer with the American Heart Association and never misses a chance to tell her story in hopes that even one person can be helped. —Pamela McLoughlin, Hartford Courant, 25 Mar. 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
• foveal

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