hell week

noun

1. the week of hazing before initiation into a college fraternity or sorority.

Word History and Origins

Origin of hell week¹

An Americanism dating back to 1925–30

Example Sentences

In the earlier incident, the alleged victim said that his assault occurred on the final practice of “hell week,” a grueling stretch in the team’s preseason during which players were put through two-a-day practices.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Kyle Mullen, 24, collapsed and died of acute pneumonia just hours after completing the SEALs’ grueling Hell Week test.

Read more on Seattle Times

The pledging process ends with hell week.

Read more on Salon

Mr Mullen, 24, had been suffering from poor health for several days during "Hell Week" but received no significant medical help from instructors.

Read more on BBC

The most difficult part of the course, known as "Hell Week", sees trainees endure five-and-a-half days of training with fewer than four hours sleep.

Read more on BBC