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

• fire
• gauntlet
• trial
• 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

The ordeal has made for endless fodder on the rap internet, though has undoubtedly damaged Thug’s reputation. —Andre Gee, Rolling Stone, 8 Sep. 2025

The whole Paramount ordeal happened after nominations voting had already closed. —Marcus Jones, IndieWire, 8 Sep. 2025

The case, originally filed by plaintiff Elizabeth De Coster in 2021, has been a years-long ordeal for both the plaintiffs and the company. —Meghan Hall, Sourcing Journal, 8 Sep. 2025

See the full list of competitors and their partners, then press PLAY on the video above to watch Julianne Hough take a deep dive into her medical ordeal. —Claire Franken, TVLine, 4 Sep. 2025

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