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

At the time of his lethal injection death, several people gained access to witness the ordeal. —Caroline Blair, PEOPLE, 20 Oct. 2025

Kathya still tears up talking about Katy’s ordeal, the slow road to recovery and how their lives were shattered that evening, a day that had begun with joy, a celebration with her best friends, many of whom grew up on the waterways in Coral Gables and Coconut Grove. —David Goodhue, Miami Herald, 19 Oct. 2025

What should have been a simple check-in turned into a stressful ordeal at the port. —Nathan Diller, USA Today, 19 Oct. 2025

Menopause has long been treated as a quiet, private ordeal. —Emma Burleigh, Fortune, 18 Oct. 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