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
Experts said the ordeal reflected a national struggle for individuals seeking repairs to assistive mobility technology like wheelchair lifts.
—
Tamia Fowlkes, Journal Sentinel, 8 July 2024
The ordeal would test their mental and physical fortitude, strain the parents’ relationship, and challenge their commitment and ability to build a new life in the United States.
—Luis Ferré-Sadurní, New York Times, 8 July 2024
Brown’s family said in an update on social media that the 14-year-old was found safe, thanking everyone who continued to share updates during the ordeal.
—Stephen Sorace, Fox News, 7 July 2024
The ordeal, coupled with Marshall’s declining effectiveness, turned Dodgers fans against him, and there were reports that his teammates celebrated after he was traded to the Braves in June 1976.
—Scott Allen, Washington Post, 6 July 2024
See all Example Sentences for ordeal 
Tamia Fowlkes, Journal Sentinel, 8 July 2024
The ordeal would test their mental and physical fortitude, strain the parents’ relationship, and challenge their commitment and ability to build a new life in the United States.
—Luis Ferré-Sadurní, New York Times, 8 July 2024
Brown’s family said in an update on social media that the 14-year-old was found safe, thanking everyone who continued to share updates during the ordeal.
—Stephen Sorace, Fox News, 7 July 2024
The ordeal, coupled with Marshall’s declining effectiveness, turned Dodgers fans against him, and there were reports that his teammates celebrated after he was traded to the Braves in June 1976.
—Scott Allen, Washington Post, 6 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 15 Jul. 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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