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

Then it doesn’t, and we’re left trying to reconcile a legitimately gripping tale of one family’s ordeal with what we know about the suffering that’s occurred during the two years of war since.

From Los Angeles Times

As the second anniversary approaches, Mr Sharabi has told BBC News about his ordeal and what is motivating him to rebuild his life.

From BBC

The two hosts, who have vocally supported each other through the respective ordeals on their shows, were now able to continue the mutual backing in full force, face-to-face.

From Los Angeles Times

Still, she said, it has been an ordeal for her grandchildren, who have been sharing a trailer parked on her land for the last five years.

From Los Angeles Times

A victim of the Post Office Horizon IT scandal who was temporarily paralysed after the stress of her ordeal has been offered 15% of her compensation claim.

From BBC

Related Words

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