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
The ordeal unraveled at Moore’s spa grand opening attended by RHOA cast members Porsha Williams, Cynthia Bailey, Drew Sidora, Shamea Morton Mwangi, Eady, Kelli Ferrell, and Angela Oakley, per USA Today.
—
Demicia Inman, VIBE.com, 8 Apr. 2025
Tavares-Abel plans to use stop motion animation to tell the story of her ancestor’s migration ordeal.
—Anna Marie De La Fuente, Variety, 7 Apr. 2025
Pointing out that only one of the six-person crew is an actual astronaut, Munn expressed exasperation at the whole ordeal.
—Anna Kaufman, USA Today, 4 Apr. 2025
Despite Kilmer’s ordeal, Jack says that his dad is still very much a force to be reckoned with.
—Kara Warner, People.com, 2 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for ordeal
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Demicia Inman, VIBE.com, 8 Apr. 2025
Tavares-Abel plans to use stop motion animation to tell the story of her ancestor’s migration ordeal.
—Anna Marie De La Fuente, Variety, 7 Apr. 2025
Pointing out that only one of the six-person crew is an actual astronaut, Munn expressed exasperation at the whole ordeal.
—Anna Kaufman, USA Today, 4 Apr. 2025
Despite Kilmer’s ordeal, Jack says that his dad is still very much a force to be reckoned with.
—Kara Warner, People.com, 2 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for ordeal
Cite this Entry
“Ordeal.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ordeal. Accessed 15 Apr. 2025.
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
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