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
Her lawyer said these messages were viewed more than 100 million times around the world and caused an ordeal for her client during an important sporting competition.
—
Denise Petski, Deadline, 14 Aug. 2024
Jacquez's brother-in-law Albert Rodriguez, who officiated the wedding, also told GMA about the scary ordeal.
—Marina Watts, Peoplemag, 13 Aug. 2024
Still, the ordeal was enough for Dubrow to threaten leaving the show.
—Tatiana Tenreyro, The Hollywood Reporter, 25 July 2024
The Valieva saga has been a particularly frustrating ordeal for the IOC and doping officials.
—Les Carpenter, Washington Post, 25 July 2024
See all Example Sentences for ordeal 
Denise Petski, Deadline, 14 Aug. 2024
Jacquez's brother-in-law Albert Rodriguez, who officiated the wedding, also told GMA about the scary ordeal.
—Marina Watts, Peoplemag, 13 Aug. 2024
Still, the ordeal was enough for Dubrow to threaten leaving the show.
—Tatiana Tenreyro, The Hollywood Reporter, 25 July 2024
The Valieva saga has been a particularly frustrating ordeal for the IOC and doping officials.
—Les Carpenter, Washington Post, 25 July 2024
See all Example Sentences for ordeal
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'ordeal.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Dictionary Entries Near ordeal
Cite this Entry
“Ordeal.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ordeal. Accessed 19 Aug. 2024.
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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