ordeal

Meaning

1. (historical) A trial in which the accused was subjected to a dangerous test (such as ducking in water), divine authority deciding the guilt of the accused.
2. (figuratively) A painful or trying experience.
3. The poisonous ordeal bean or Calabar bean.

Synonyms

trial

pain

torment

affliction

test

hardship

tribulation

grief

proof

sadness

sorrow

adversity

torture

woe

trials and tribulations

trial by ordeal

distress

gauntlet

testing

crucifixion

crown of thorns

crucible

anguish

trouble

tryingness

heartbreak

hurdle

infliction

probation

vexation

racket

visitation

whammy

temptation

Translations

ordalie

épreuve

ordalia

beproeving

δοκιμασία

ordalía

calvaire

Tortur

βασανισμός

ordália

Feuerprobe

Prüfung

supplice

Ordal

Gottesurteil

Pronounced as (IPA)

/ɔːˈdiːl/

Etymology

Inherited from Middle English: ordel

Inherited from Old English: ordēl

Cognate with Saterland Frisian: Uurdeel

Cognate with Western Frisian: oardiel

Cognate with Dutch: oordeel

Cognate with Low German: Oordeel

Cognate with German: Urteil

In summary

From Middle English ordel, ordal, from Medieval Latin ordālium or inherited from its source Old English ordēl, ordāl (“ordeal, judgement”), from Proto-West Germanic *uʀdailī (“judgement”, literally “an out-dealing”), from *uʀdailijan (“to deal out; dispense”), equivalent to or- + deal.
Cognate with Saterland Frisian Uurdeel (“judgement; verdict”), West Frisian oardiel (“judgement”), Dutch oordeel (“judgement, discretion”), Low German Oordeel (“judgement; verdict”), German Urteil (“judgement, verdict”).