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

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

In the comics, the whole ordeal with the Infinity Stones was Thanos’ attempt to woo her.

From Los Angeles Times

She opened up about her ordeal with breast cancer in a BBC documentary, Strictly Amy: Cancer and Me, which was broadcast in September.

From BBC

“These defendants subjected their victim and his family to a terrifying ordeal in order to illegally profit,” said U.S.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

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