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

Nwadimma initially did not remember the incident, but has since learned how the ordeal played out. —Abigail Adams, PEOPLE, 1 Dec. 2025

Strand's mother, Maitlyn Gandy, has been vocal about how tough the ordeal has been for her and her family. —S.e. Jenkins, CBS News, 30 Nov. 2025

In a TikTok post Saturday, the singer discussed the ordeal that occurred hours before a Mall of America performance. —Daniel Kreps, Rolling Stone, 30 Nov. 2025

Carrey told Entertainment Weekly in 2000 that getting into costume was quite an ordeal. —Danny Horn, Entertainment Weekly, 29 Nov. 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