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

During the nine-month-long ordeal, the then-14-year-old was subjected to daily rapes and endured physical abuse and starvation. —Stephanie Kaloi, PEOPLE, 22 Jan. 2026

They are also relieved — relieved that this dumb ordeal may finally be coming to an end. —S.e. Cupp, New York Daily News, 22 Jan. 2026

Meanwhile, in the present timeline, Max and Thaddeus are led to The Ghoul, bruised and battered from his ordeal in Freeside — but alive, crucially. —Jack King, Vulture, 21 Jan. 2026

Throughout the ordeal, Collins sometimes self-medicated with alcohol. —Andy Greene, Rolling Stone, 21 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