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

As far as Davis was told, once the ordeal was handled, the player simply asked for a different helmet and returned to practice. — Devon Henderson, New York Times, 12 Aug. 2026

Nobody was injured during the snake sighting and rescue, the NYPD said in a statement, though the ordeal did leave some Upper West Side residents a bit shaken. — Bailey Richards, PEOPLE, 12 Aug. 2026

His nearly fatal ordeal began when a seemingly harmless lump on his cheek continued to grow. — Bryan Alexander, USA Today, 8 Aug. 2026

The then-20-year-old Dallas native was visiting her sister in 1970 when the terrifying ordeal unfolded. — Stephanie Nolasco, FOXNews.com, 8 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