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

The ordeal, which resulted in Xavier being removed from office and replaced by Carollo, caused significant hardship for the family. —Miami Herald, 21 Dec. 2025

How has this ordeal changed you? —Hernan Lopez, Variety, 20 Dec. 2025

After the ordeal, Musk had asked Koenigsmann to retire, and Koeningsmann ultimately ended his nearly 20-year tenure at the company in 2021. —Jackie Wattles, CNN Money, 18 Dec. 2025

Edwards was reunited with her 19-year-old son in a car after the ordeal in a photo posted on her Instagram Stories on Monday. —Escher Walcott, PEOPLE, 16 Dec. 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