ordeal

noun

or·​deal ȯr-ˈdē(-ə)l How to pronounce ordeal (audio)
ˈȯr-ˌdē(-ə)l
Synonyms of ordeal
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

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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.
Hushcha and Novak now plan to turn part of the ordeal into an exhibition. — Daniel Cassady, ARTnews.com, 20 Aug. 2026 Parents, siblings and upperclassmen volunteers, if the school offers them, can turn a three-hour ordeal into a 90-minute one. — Lauren Schuster, Kansas City Star, 19 Aug. 2026 The whole ordeal lasted about four and a half hours from the time the guys called for help to when they were rescued. — Charlie De Mar, CBS News, 18 Aug. 2026 Joaquin Perez, a high-profile criminal-defense lawyer who has specialized in drug-trafficking cases for decades, came to know the Sanchez couple and their ordeal through a friend. — Jay Weaver, Miami Herald, 18 Aug. 2026 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

Rhymes for ordeal

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Browse Nearby Words

ordainment
ordeal
ordeal bark
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Cite this Entry

“Ordeal.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ordeal. Accessed 21 Aug. 2026.

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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

Nglish: Translation of ordeal for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about ordeal

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