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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 clips

Movie quotes

  • (..) At first, I thought, "Well, IRS kind of sounds like Toys 'R' Us. Maybe it won't be so bad. Maybe they have a sense of fun about it." You know? But it's bad. It's an ordeal. And they don't do anything to keep your spirits up... ...through the ordeal. I think they should take all (..)
    1991 TvShow: Seinfeld Title: The Truth Season: 3 Episode 2