ALL meanings of ordeal
or·deal
O o - noun ordeal difficult experience 1
- noun ordeal any extremely severe or trying test, experience, or trial. 1
- noun ordeal a primitive form of trial to determine guilt or innocence by subjecting the accused person to fire, poison, or other serious danger, the result being regarded as a divine or preternatural judgment. 1
- noun ordeal A painful or horrific experience, especially a protracted one. 1
- countable noun ordeal If you describe an experience or situation as an ordeal, you think it is difficult and unpleasant. 0
- noun ordeal a severe or trying experience 0
- noun ordeal a method of trial in which the guilt or innocence of an accused person was determined by subjecting him or her to physical danger, esp by fire or water. The outcome was regarded as an indication of divine judgment 0
- noun ordeal an ancient method of trial in which the accused was exposed to physical dangers, from which he or she was supposed to be divinely protected if innocent 0
- noun ordeal any difficult, painful, or trying experience; severe trial 0