The meaning of ORDEAL is 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 - From Old English ordel, "judgment," figuratively, an experience testing endurance, patience, courage, etc.—also a test of guilt or innocence that was one of severe pain or torture.

ORDEAL definition: any extremely severe or trying test, experience, or trial. See examples of ordeal used in a sentence.

ORDEAL meaning: 1. a very unpleasant and painful or difficult experience: 2. in the past, a way of trying to find…. Learn more.

Definition of ordeal noun from the Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary. a difficult or unpleasant experience. They had survived a terrifying ordeal. The interview was less of an ordeal than …

Dec 22, 2025 · ordeal (plural ordeals) (historical) A trial in which the accused was subjected to a dangerous test (such as ducking in water), divine authority deciding the guilt of the accused.

ordeal, n. meanings, etymology, pronunciation and more in the Oxford English Dictionary

[countable] any very severe, difficult, or trying test, experience, or trial. or•deal (ôr dēl′, -dē′ əl, ôr′ dēl), n. any extremely severe or trying test, experience, or trial.

If you describe an experience or situation as an ordeal, you think it is difficult and unpleasant. ...the painful ordeal of the last eight months. She described her agonising ordeal.

ORDEAL meaning: an experience that is very unpleasant or difficult usually singular