1 ordeal | Definition of ordeal

ordeal

noun
or·​deal | \ ȯr-ˈdē(-ə)l How to pronounce ordeal (audio) , ˈȯr-ˌdē(-ə)l\

Definition 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.

Keep scrolling for more

Synonyms for ordeal

Synonyms

cross, crucible, fire, gauntlet (also gantlet), trial

Visit the Thesaurus for More 

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 victim was able to escape during the ordeal, phoning the Robertsdale Police Department from a gas station on March 2. Howard Koplowitz | [email protected], al, "Mobile federal judge sentences man to 2 years in prostitution scheme," 19 Aug. 2019 During the ordeal, six officers were shot and two were trapped inside the house. Christopher Tremoglie, National Review, "Philly Mayor Peddles False Narrative for Gun Control After a Man with a Long Criminal History Shoots Six Police Officers," 15 Aug. 2019 The women ended up briefly kidnapped and terrorized during the ordeal. San Diego Union-Tribune, "Asylum seekers targeted by kidnappers, extortionists and traffickers while waiting in Mexico," 29 July 2019 The flow of support from the New Canaan and Farmington/Avon communities, individuals as well as organizations, has helped keep us going during this ordeal. Dave Altimari, courant.com, "Lawyer for Fotis Dulos files motion to dismiss criminal charges related to disappearance of Jennifer Farber Dulos," 24 July 2019 Posted by Nashville Noticias on Monday, July 22, 2019 During the ordeal, a local lawyer was contacted and came to the scene. Caitlin O'kane, CBS News, "Neighbors form human chain to protect father as ICE tries to take him into custody," 23 July 2019 Yax declined to further identify the woman, but said she was not injured during the ordeal. Christina Hall, Detroit Free Press, "Boater left stranded on Lake St. Clair after captain goes overboard," 9 July 2019 Beyond the delays and getting stranded overnight, Wolfe said American needs to apologize for how he and other passengers were treated during the ordeal, especially as the night dragged on. Dawn Gilbertson, USA TODAY, "'We kind of couldn't believe it:' American passenger recounts 21-hour delay as airline struggles," 9 May 2019 In those cases, the three-hour tarmac delay allotment can extend a long but manageable flight into an unmanageable ordeal. Carl Unger, USA TODAY, "Canadian air passenger bill of rights: What you need to know about rule changes," 29 July 2019

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'ordeal.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

See More

First Known Use of ordeal

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

History and Etymology for ordeal

Middle English ordal, from Old English ordāl; akin to Old High German urteil judgment, Old English dāl division — more at deal

Keep scrolling for more

Keep scrolling for more

More Definitions for ordeal

ordeal

noun

English Language Learners Definition of ordeal

: an experience that is very unpleasant or difficult

ordeal

noun
or·​deal | \ ȯr-ˈdēl How to pronounce ordeal (audio) \

Kids Definition of ordeal

: a severe test or experience

Keep scrolling for more

More from Merriam-Webster on ordeal

Rhyming Dictionary: Words that rhyme with ordeal

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for ordeal

Spanish Central: Translation of ordeal

Nglish: Translation of ordeal for Spanish Speakers

Britannica English: Translation of ordeal for Arabic Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about ordeal