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

Passengers faced a chilling ordeal when their cruise ship became stuck in icy Antarctic waters. —Alexandra Banner, CNN Money, 29 Jan. 2026

For indie cinema, that alone may be worth the ordeal… if not, the gallons of blood. —Alison Foreman, IndieWire, 29 Jan. 2026

The bag finally made its arrival after a 30 to 45-minute ordeal. —Colson Thayer, PEOPLE, 29 Jan. 2026

My dad for enduring his heart transplant ordeal and surviving against all odds and my mom for her undying loyalty and being the best teammate of all time! —Dalton Ross, Entertainment Weekly, 28 Jan. 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