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

But none on board expected the harrowing ordeal that lay ahead. —Anne Ewbank, Popular Science, 18 Feb. 2026

Van Dyke’s girlfriend suffered non-life-threatening injuries in the ordeal, according to authorities. —Joseph Wilkinson, New York Daily News, 17 Feb. 2026

Jackson said little publicly about his son’s wrongdoing, other than describing the ordeal as a difficult, trying time for the family and requesting prayers. —Bob Goldsborough, Chicago Tribune, 17 Feb. 2026

Shortly after that blow-up, Josh installed a gate on the road that runs through his property — the most direct route between the Collins’ home and the free-range pasture — and began posting about the ordeal online. —Tessa Stuart, Rolling Stone, 17 Feb. 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