What is ordeal? How to use in English

Definition & pronunciation of ordeal

ordealnoun

thử thách

/ɔːˈdiːl//ɔːrˈdiːl/

Where does the word ordeal come from?

Word OriginOld English ordāl, ordēl, of Germanic origin; related to German urteilen ‘give judgement’, from a base meaning ‘share out’. The word is not found in Middle English (except once in Chaucer's Troilus); modern use of the current sense began in the mid 17th cent.

Vocabulary summary ordeal

typenoun

meaningchallenge

exampleto experience a serve ordeal

meaning(history) method of trial (forcing the criminal to dip his hand in boiling water...)

Example of vocabulary ordealnamespace

  • The accident was a harrowing ordeal for the victim, who spent days in the hospital recovering from injuries.
  • Enduring months of chemotherapy was a grueling ordeal for the cancer patient, but she remained optimistic and fought bravely.
  • The long-distance move was a daunting ordeal for the family, but they persevered and adjusted to their new environment.
  • Being trapped in a burning building was an unimaginable ordeal for the survivors, who were rescued just in time.
  • The investigation into the criminal activity was a distressing ordeal for the witnesses, who were forced to relive the traumatic events in court.

Synonyms and related words for ordeal

Comment ()