ordeal

noun

or·​deal ȯr-ˈdē(-ə)l How to pronounce ordeal (audio)
ˈȯr-ˌdē(-ə)l
Synonyms of ordealnext
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.

Synonyms

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Examples of ordeal in a Sentence

the hikers were finally rescued after a three-day ordeal in the wilderness
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
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

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

Rhymes for ordeal

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Browse Nearby Words

ordain
ordeal
ordeal bark
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Cite this Entry

“Ordeal.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ordeal. Accessed 15 Apr. 2025.

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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

Nglish: Translation of ordeal for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about ordeal

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