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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

  • (..) Sarah, I just came from the bloody theater just now. All right? I'm out in public. Everybody else loves it. Why are you being like this? I had a terrible ordeal today. I thought that something very precious... ...had been lost to me. So I just wanted to celebrate just a little. (..)
    2006 The Prestige