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
- cross
- crucible
- fire
- gauntlet
- gantlet
- trial
See all Synonyms & Antonyms 
Example Sentences
the hikers were finally rescued after a three-day ordeal in the wilderness
Recent Examples on the Web But their ordeal began much earlier, their lengthy journey made under sometime agonizing circumstances before landing in the care of an island community unprepared for their arrival, but unstinting in their response. 
Brittany Bowker, BostonGlobe.com, 15 Sep. 2022 One resident from the town closest to the epicenter described his ordeal to the AP. Nick Perry, USA TODAY, 12 Sep. 2022 And families of victims now wonder when their ordeal will end. Richard Winton, Los Angeles Times, 3 Sep. 2022 Among those suing is one Phoenix woman who detailed her ordeal. Jose R. Gonzalez, The Arizona Republic, 2 Sep. 2022 But her ordeal has added to the wartime chill that’s already driving foreign players out of Russia. Fred Weir, The Christian Science Monitor, 25 Aug. 2022 Sabrina, who subsequently tested positive, spoke to Grazia UK about their ordeal. Nasha Smith, Peoplemag, 18 Aug. 2022 One of the final insights Te'o gives us into his mental ordeal with the girlfriend hoax is his realization that his self-doubt on the football field stemmed from the self-confidence that powered his success being shattered by his scandal. Keith Nelson, Men's Health, 16 Aug. 2022 Yehor speaks easily and matter of factly of his ordeal. New York Times, 18 July 2022 See More
Brittany Bowker, BostonGlobe.com, 15 Sep. 2022 One resident from the town closest to the epicenter described his ordeal to the AP. Nick Perry, USA TODAY, 12 Sep. 2022 And families of victims now wonder when their ordeal will end. Richard Winton, Los Angeles Times, 3 Sep. 2022 Among those suing is one Phoenix woman who detailed her ordeal. Jose R. Gonzalez, The Arizona Republic, 2 Sep. 2022 But her ordeal has added to the wartime chill that’s already driving foreign players out of Russia. Fred Weir, The Christian Science Monitor, 25 Aug. 2022 Sabrina, who subsequently tested positive, spoke to Grazia UK about their ordeal. Nasha Smith, Peoplemag, 18 Aug. 2022 One of the final insights Te'o gives us into his mental ordeal with the girlfriend hoax is his realization that his self-doubt on the football field stemmed from the self-confidence that powered his success being shattered by his scandal. Keith Nelson, Men's Health, 16 Aug. 2022 Yehor speaks easily and matter of factly of his ordeal. New York Times, 18 July 2022 See More 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
Kids Definition
ordeal
noun
or·deal ȯr-ˈdēl
: a severe test or experience
ordeals
noun
as in fires
a test of faith, patience, or strength the hikers were finally rescued after a three-day ordeal in the wilderness Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
- fires
- trials
- gauntlets
- crosses
- hardships
- challenges
- crucibles
- misfortunes
- grievances
- tribulations
- troubles
- privations
- initiations
- tragedies
- vicissitudes
- griefs
- adversities
- misadventures
- woes
- gantlets
- mishaps
- baptisms of fire
- difficulties
- complications
- afflictions
- baptisms
- rigors
- mischances
- inconveniences
- discomforts
- asperities
- nuisances
- acid tests
- annoyances
- litmus tests