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

Politico Jimmy Kimmel came away from his cancellation ordeal feeling good about Dana Walden. —Emma Hinchliffe, Fortune, 13 Oct. 2025

Marion County Prosecutor Ryan Mears said the whole ordeal could have been avoided. —Devon Henderson, New York Times, 12 Oct. 2025

Here's everything to know about the murder of Cliff Lambert and the decades-long ordeal to convict the six men who conspired to kill and steal from him. —Caroline Blair, PEOPLE, 11 Oct. 2025

An epilogue sequence shows Lo has returned to work and written a story about the whole ordeal focused on Anne's contributions to cancer research. —Megan McCluskey, Time, 10 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