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
Although prosecutors dropped all criminal trespassing charges, students say the ordeal left them traumatized, diminished their work ethic and deteriorated their mental health.
—
Lily Kepner, Austin American Statesman, 30 July 2025
What began as a lighthearted moment among friends turned into a months-long ordeal for Deborah Cobb of Seattle, when cartwheels on the beach left her unable to see.
—Alice Gibbs, MSNBC Newsweek, 26 July 2025
The ordeal began just before midnight Tuesday, July 22, and ended after the boy escaped near a convenience store east of Monroe, officials said.
—Mark Price
july 24, Miami Herald, 24 July 2025
The phone’s 8,000-mile journey around the world wasn’t even the strangest thing about the ordeal.
—Rich Schapiro, NBC news, 22 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for ordeal
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Lily Kepner, Austin American Statesman, 30 July 2025
What began as a lighthearted moment among friends turned into a months-long ordeal for Deborah Cobb of Seattle, when cartwheels on the beach left her unable to see.
—Alice Gibbs, MSNBC Newsweek, 26 July 2025
The ordeal began just before midnight Tuesday, July 22, and ended after the boy escaped near a convenience store east of Monroe, officials said.
—Mark Price
july 24, Miami Herald, 24 July 2025
The phone’s 8,000-mile journey around the world wasn’t even the strangest thing about the ordeal.
—Rich Schapiro, NBC news, 22 July 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 6 Aug. 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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