ordeal

noun

or·​deal ȯr-ˈdē(-ə)l How to pronounce ordeal (audio)
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.

Examples of ordeal in a Sentence

the hikers were finally rescued after a three-day ordeal in the wilderness
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Thankfully, Midas is now fully recovered from his gassy ordeal, and is back to his usual self, running around the house and enjoying life. Alice Gibbs, MSNBC Newsweek, 23 June 2025 Then, two weeks into my pre-op ordeal, a teenaged redhead came into my room. Noor Hassan, Rolling Stone, 21 June 2025 When the surgery date finally arrived, the poster's mother came once again to support the family through what would become a life-changing ordeal. Ashley Vega, People.com, 20 June 2025 How on earth are these people going to survive this ordeal? Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 16 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for ordeal

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of ordeal was before the 12th century

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Cite this Entry

“Ordeal.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ordeal. Accessed 30 Jun. 2025.

Kids Definition

ordeal

noun
or·​deal ȯr-ˈdē(-ə)l How to pronounce ordeal (audio)
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

More from Merriam-Webster on ordeal

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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