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
After disappearing for six months following the ordeal, the special agent is forced to return when another criminal demands to negotiate with him by name.
—
Esther Kang, People.com, 2 Jan. 2025
The ordeal was captured on video and shows a hooded male on the edge of the platform and a victim looking at his phone as the train pulls into the station.
—Christina Shaw, Fox News, 1 Jan. 2025
The final minutes rely on Dounia’s heroism to wrap the ordeal with an unearned neatness.
—Carlos Aguilar, Variety, 30 Dec. 2024
The victim survived the ordeal after being taken to hospital by paramedics and is in a stable condition, according to police officers.
—Tom Rogers, Newsweek, 26 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for ordeal 
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Esther Kang, People.com, 2 Jan. 2025
The ordeal was captured on video and shows a hooded male on the edge of the platform and a victim looking at his phone as the train pulls into the station.
—Christina Shaw, Fox News, 1 Jan. 2025
The final minutes rely on Dounia’s heroism to wrap the ordeal with an unearned neatness.
—Carlos Aguilar, Variety, 30 Dec. 2024
The victim survived the ordeal after being taken to hospital by paramedics and is in a stable condition, according to police officers.
—Tom Rogers, Newsweek, 26 Dec. 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 18 Jan. 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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