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.
Examples of ordeal in a Sentence
the hikers were finally rescued after a three-day ordeal in the wilderness
Recent Examples on the Web
Speaking publicly for the first time about her ordeal, Muldrow says that the canvassers in her group were fired with little explanation beyond a complaint that someone had spoken with the press.
—
Jake Lahut, WIRED, 3 Nov. 2024
Her ordeals shaped a view of resilience as an active commitment to growth, not just responding to simple setbacks.
—Dan Pontefract, Forbes, 28 Oct. 2024
Since her mother’s 2023 arrest and conviction, Shari, the oldest child, has been the most outspoken sibling about their family’s ordeal.
—Lynsey Eidell, People.com, 27 Oct. 2024
These intimate moments are juxtaposed a bit awkwardly with scenes depicting Ito as a journalist investigating her own ordeal.
—Natalia Winkelman, IndieWire, 24 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for ordeal 
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.
Jake Lahut, WIRED, 3 Nov. 2024
Her ordeals shaped a view of resilience as an active commitment to growth, not just responding to simple setbacks.
—Dan Pontefract, Forbes, 28 Oct. 2024
Since her mother’s 2023 arrest and conviction, Shari, the oldest child, has been the most outspoken sibling about their family’s ordeal.
—Lynsey Eidell, People.com, 27 Oct. 2024
These intimate moments are juxtaposed a bit awkwardly with scenes depicting Ito as a journalist investigating her own ordeal.
—Natalia Winkelman, IndieWire, 24 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for ordeal
Dictionary Entries Near ordeal
Cite this Entry
“Ordeal.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ordeal. Accessed 22 Nov. 2024.
Copy CitationKids 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
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share