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 world eventually recovers from the ordeal, but consequences of the virus linger for decades. — Andrew Paul, Popular Science, 10 Sep. 2026

The ordeal forces Sally to admit the existence of their magical powers. — Lexy Perez, HollywoodReporter, 10 Sep. 2026

The ordeal closed much of the eastbound freeway for more than three hours during the evening commute, tying up surface streets across Sacramento’s grid and around Sacramento State. — Darrell Smith, Sacbee.com, 9 Sep. 2026

In reality, that's where this whole ordeal turned into a political sideshow that felt more like propaganda than the actual athletes involved in the case. — Trey Wallace Outkick, FOXNews.com, 9 Sep. 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