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

Season 8 was cut short amid the ordeal, and Kutcher replaced Sheen for the remainder of the series. —Glenn Garner, Deadline, 14 Sep. 2025

According to Roach, the entire ordeal took about 10 hours. —Abigail Adams, PEOPLE, 12 Sep. 2025

Video released by the FWC shows the dog was calm during the ordeal, not making a sound as the officer worked to stop the bleeding. —Mark Price, Miami Herald, 12 Sep. 2025

In 1986, the family’s ordeal captivated the region’s attention and drew dozens of national reporters to the area. —Kevin Dolak, HollywoodReporter, 10 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