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
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.
Regardless, Sumner said, responding to an outbreak is an expensive ordeal for a dairy farm. Annika Merrilees, Sacramento Bee, 7 Mar. 2025 Former Vice President Mike Pence, speaking in Hong Kong in January, called on Beijing to end Lai’s ordeal. Reuters, NBC News, 6 Mar. 2025 Her ordeal is very real — her jaw hurts from those mysterious dental procedures, and her hand aches from writing thank you cards to fictional friends and family — but Mark’s experience only exists in his memories. Ben Travers, IndieWire, 28 Feb. 2025 Now, Chad — along with his older sister Shari and father Kevin — is speaking out about his family’s tragic ordeal for the first time in the Hulu's docuseries Devil In The Family: The Fall of Ruby Franke, which premiered on Feb. 27. Lynsey Eidell, People.com, 28 Feb. 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

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Cite this Entry

“Ordeal.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ordeal. Accessed 12 Mar. 2025.

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

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