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 Blasey Ford is a research psychologist, professor and devotee of surfing, who leans heavily on the sport as a metaphor for her ordeal. Alexandra Jacobs, New York Times, 15 Mar. 2024 Locals remember the months-long ordeal after the 2021 spill. Hannah Fry, Los Angeles Times, 11 Mar. 2024 Her desert ordeal began with a routine stop for gas, albeit in a striking landscape. Sheri Linden, The Hollywood Reporter, 10 Mar. 2024 Months before DeStefano’s ordeal, someone had called her mother claiming to be DeStefano’s brother, and asking for money to pay a hospital bill related to a car accident. Charles Bethea, The New Yorker, 7 Mar. 2024 Reuben Mitchell, who lives in Tennessee, has been through Morgan’s ordeal before. Liam Quinn, Peoplemag, 3 Mar. 2024 Despite a five-year ordeal filled with doctor visits and misdiagnoses, the true cause of her symptoms remained elusive. Larada Lee, Essence, 9 Mar. 2024 In Havana’s slums, a woman’s violent domestic ordeal turns public when a video goes viral. John Hopewell, Variety, 4 Mar. 2024 Justice, 2, survived, but the ordeal left the couple shaken. Stephen Hobbs, Sacramento Bee, 4 Mar. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'ordeal.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

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

Dictionary Entries Near ordeal

Cite this Entry

“Ordeal.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ordeal. Accessed 28 Mar. 2024.

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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