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

In a later video, the passenger who filmed the ordeal then goes to guest services to explain the issue and express her concerns. — Natalia Senanayake, PEOPLE, 23 July 2026

The eruption unfolded in five phases over about 24 hours, a harrowing, cumulative ordeal for unsuspecting residents. — Ashley Strickland, CNN Money, 20 July 2026

Federal investigators allege Henrichsen later repeated the process with the second biologist, repeatedly separating the victims during the ordeal. — Robert McGreevy , Stepheny Price, FOXNews.com, 18 July 2026

The whole ordeal has reportedly left everyone on the show feeling protective of Guthrie, which is why the issue with the intruder has hit so hard after everyone has done their best to try to make the set a safe environment for her. — Lizzie Lanuza, StyleCaster, 17 July 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