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
Following the ordeal, Jung couldn't resist reliving the experience and sharing it on social media.
—
Alyce Collins, MSNBC Newsweek, 30 May 2025
At least 30 people were stranded more than 50 feet in the air during a terrifying ordeal at an amusement park.
—Moná Thomas, People.com, 28 May 2025
For millions of Americans, filing taxes is already a frustrating, time-consuming ordeal.
—The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 27 May 2025
The idea that the hostages were a bargaining chip for Joly’s release from prison was also repeated throughout the two-month ordeal, prosecutors say.
—Jacqueline Charles, Miami Herald, 14 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for ordeal
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Alyce Collins, MSNBC Newsweek, 30 May 2025
At least 30 people were stranded more than 50 feet in the air during a terrifying ordeal at an amusement park.
—Moná Thomas, People.com, 28 May 2025
For millions of Americans, filing taxes is already a frustrating, time-consuming ordeal.
—The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 27 May 2025
The idea that the hostages were a bargaining chip for Joly’s release from prison was also repeated throughout the two-month ordeal, prosecutors say.
—Jacqueline Charles, Miami Herald, 14 May 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 3 Jun. 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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