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 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.

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.

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 …

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

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.

[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.

ordeal meaning, definition, what is ordeal: a terrible or painful experience that co...: Learn more.

ordeal definition: painful or severe experience. Check meanings, examples, usage tips, pronunciation, domains, and related words. Discover expressions like "ordeal tree", "ordeal …