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

Philipps has come out of the six-month ordeal feeling nothing but gratitude. — Meg Walters, InStyle, 26 Aug. 2026

Within a week, Cano was in Wilson’s office, describing her ordeal. — Jason Liebowitz, New Yorker, 25 Aug. 2026

Over the weekend, Joshua Aviles detailed his father's ordeal while he was deployed in a war zone. — Laura Romero, ABC News, 25 Aug. 2026

Nearby, Keshonda Philon, of Gary, talked about the ordeal without power for nearly two weeks. — Carole Carlson, Chicago Tribune, 25 Aug. 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