ordeal

Definition

  • noun: an experience that is very unpleasant or difficult
  • noun: a primitive means used to determine guilt or innocence by submitting the accused to dangerous or painful tests believed to be under supernatural control
  • usually singular
  • synonyms: trial

Examples

  • Being trapped in the elevator was a harrowing 'ordeal' for the shoppers.

  • I need to find a way to make traveling less of an 'ordeal'.

  • the 'ordeal' of cancer treatment

Movie quotes

  • (..) don't come under domestic terrorism. No, they don't. Your report doesn't show any organization with an attributable motive. I realize your ordeal affected you, but the holes in your account... ...leave us with no choice but to delete these references... ...until hard evidence becomes available that (..)
    1998 The X Files