ordeal

noun

or·​deal ȯr-ˈdē(-ə)l How to pronounce ordeal (audio)
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.

Examples of ordeal in a Sentence

the hikers were finally rescued after a three-day ordeal in the wilderness
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Three years before the famed film was released, Wojtowicz and a friend held up a Brooklyn bank in a 14-hour hostage ordeal, allegedly robbing the bank to help pay for his transgender partner’s gender-affirming surgery. Angela Andaloro, PEOPLE, 4 Oct. 2025 Throughout her discography following the 2019 sale of her music, the musician has written about the ordeal. Maya Georgi, Rolling Stone, 4 Oct. 2025 That’s why, in a sense, Mann views this whole ordeal as a blessing in disguise. Roderick Boone, Charlotte Observer, 2 Oct. 2025 Told through empathetic interviews with his bandmates and family, Struebing’s ordeal becomes a tale of partial redemption and a lament about the failure of our justice system to meet the mental-health needs of people caught up in it. Judy Berman, Time, 29 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for ordeal

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of ordeal was before the 12th century

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Cite this Entry

“Ordeal.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ordeal. Accessed 8 Oct. 2025.

Kids Definition

ordeal

noun
or·​deal ȯr-ˈdē(-ə)l How to pronounce ordeal (audio)
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

More from Merriam-Webster on ordeal

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