ordeal

[ awr-deel, -dee-uhl, awr-deel ]

noun

1. any extremely severe or trying test, experience, or trial.
2. a primitive form of trial to determine guilt or innocence by subjecting the accused person to fire, poison, or other serious danger, the result being regarded as a divine or preternatural judgment.

ordeal

/ ɔːˈdiːl /

noun

1. a severe or trying experience
2. history a method of trial in which the guilt or innocence of an accused person was determined by subjecting him to physical danger, esp by fire or water. The outcome was regarded as an indication of divine judgment

Word History and Origins

Origin of ordeal¹

before 950; Middle English ordal, Old English ordāl; cognate with Dutch oordeel, German Urteil. See a- ³, dole ¹

Word History and Origins

Origin of ordeal¹

Old English ordāl, ordēl; related to Old Frisian ordēl, Old High German urteili (German Urteil ) verdict. See deal ¹, dole ¹

Example Sentences

Regular visits to the dentist to fill cavities used to be a shared ordeal for millions of American children and adults.

From Los Angeles Times

A woman who was held at gunpoint by her ex-partner has said the ordeal was "not as awful as being stalked" as she criticised the "shockingly low" number of protection orders issued.

From BBC

A month earlier, they had described the inquiry as a "harrowing ordeal" and a "relentless pursuit".

From BBC

Our correspondent, who has been paralysed since being shot by al-Qaeda gunmen in Saudi Arabia 20 years ago, described his ordeal as both physically deeply uncomfortable and degrading.

From BBC

“I do not think we have the institutional strength and confidence in our leaders to go through an ordeal like that,” he said.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• agony
• anguish
• calamity
• difficulty
• nightmare
• torment
• torture
• trial