ordeal — a painful or horrific experience, especially a protracted one
Part of speech: NOUN
Definition: a painful or horrific experience, especially a protracted one
Pronunciation (IPA): /ɔːrˈdiːl/
Example Sentences
- Getting my driver's license was such an ordeal - I failed the test three times!
- The flight delay turned our vacation into a 12-hour airport ordeal.
- Meeting my girlfriend's parents for the first time was an ordeal I'll never forget.
ordeal
NOUN[/ɔːrˈdiːl/]
a painful or horrific experience, especially a protracted one
After a long ordeal, the hikers finally reached safety.
Surviving the ordeal made the team stronger.
After the ordeal, she achieved her ideal dream through triumph.
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🎤Pronunciation
🌳Etymology
Origin
Ordeal originates from Old English ordāl, meaning 'judgment' or 'trial.' Historically, it referred to a form of trial by ordeal in medieval Europe, where an accused person would be subjected to a physically dangerous or painful test—such as walking through fire or immersion in water—to prove innocence through divine judgment. The term has evolved to mean any severe or difficult experience.
Breakdown
The word derives from Old English ordāl, a compound of or- (primordial prefix of uncertain origin) + dāl (division, judgment, share), literally meaning 'judgment' or 'division of fate' in the context of divine decision-making.
🎵Rhyme
🔗Collocations
📝Examples
“Getting my driver's license was such an ordeal - I failed the test three times!”
“The flight delay turned our vacation into a 12-hour airport ordeal.”
“Meeting my girlfriend's parents for the first time was an ordeal I'll never forget.”
“The earthquake survivors described their ordeal to the rescue team.”
📚Related Words
Synonyms
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