Ordeal — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

noun /ȯr-ˈdē(-ə)l/ or·deal

Meaning & Definition of Ordeal

Ordeal (noun)

  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
  2. a severe trial or experience

Ordeal (noun) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. a test of faith, patience, or strength

    "the hikers were finally rescued after a three-day ordeal in the wilderness"

    similar: cross, crucible, fire, gauntlet, trial, baptism of fire
    related: baptism, initiation, adversity, affliction, asperity, misadventure, mischance, misfortune, mishap, privation, tragedy, tribulation, trouble, vicissitude, woe, acid test, litmus test, challenge, complication, difficulty, grief, grievance, hardship, rigor, annoyance, discomfort, inconvenience, nuisance

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Ordeal

The most common words with a similar meaning to Ordeal:

cross, crucible, fire, gauntlet, trial, baptism of fire

Related Words for Ordeal

baptism, initiation, adversity, affliction, asperity, misadventure, mischance, misfortune, mishap, privation, tragedy, tribulation, trouble, vicissitude, woe, acid test, litmus test, challenge, complication, difficulty, grief, grievance, hardship, rigor, annoyance, discomfort, inconvenience, nuisance

Origin & Etymology of Ordeal

Middle English ordal, from Old English ordāl; akin to Old High German urteil judgment, Old English dāl division deal:3

First known use: before 12th century

Frequently Asked Questions about Ordeal

What does "Ordeal" mean?

"Ordeal" means a primitive means used to determine guilt or innocence by submitting the accused to dangerous or painful tests believed to be under supernatural control. As a noun, it is defined as: a primitive means used to determine guilt or innocence by submitting the accused to dangerous or painful tests believed to be under supernatural control.

What is another word for "Ordeal"?

Other words for "Ordeal" include cross, crucible, fire, gauntlet, trial and baptism of fire. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Ordeal" you intend.

What are different ways to say "Ordeal"?

There are 34 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Ordeal". Common alternatives include cross, crucible, fire, gauntlet, trial and baptism of fire.

How do you use "Ordeal" in a sentence?

Examples of "Ordeal" in a sentence: "the hikers were finally rescued after a three-day ordeal in the wilderness".

Is "Ordeal" a noun, verb, or adjective?

"Ordeal" is a noun.

How do you pronounce "Ordeal"?

"Ordeal" is pronounced /ȯr-ˈdē(-ə)l/ and divided into syllables as or·deal.

What is the origin of the word "Ordeal"?

"Ordeal" comes from Middle English ordal, from Old English ordāl; akin to Old High German urteil judgment, Old English dāl division deal:3. First known use: before 12th century.

What is another word for "Ordeal" meaning "a test of faith, patience, or strength"?

When "Ordeal" (noun) means a test of faith, patience, or strength, synonyms include cross, crucible, fire, gauntlet, trial and baptism of fire.