Dictionary entries for 'ordeal'

Synonyms

or·deal (ôr-dēĺ)

[Alteration (influenced by deal¹), of Middle English ordal, trial by ordeal, from Old English ordāl.]

noun

A difficult or painful experience, especially one that severely tests character or endurance. See synonyms at trial
A method of trial in which the accused was subjected to physically painful or dangerous tests, the result being regarded as a divine judgment of guilt or innocence.