noun
ordeal
or-DEEL/ɔːrˈdiːl/
A painful or demanding experience that tests endurance.
The soaked hiker struggles through the ordeal of the rocky climb.
Etymology
Old English ordal named a physical trial believed to reveal divine judgment of guilt or innocence. That severe test became an image for any experience that painfully tests endurance.
In context
They are horrendous to try and get rid of painful. >> It's so time consuming. >> Horrendous. [snorts] They're like evil. >> Very painful. >> An ordeal.
More examples
- The long interrogation was an ordeal.
- They endured several ordeals.
- The rescue ended her ordeal.
Forms
ordeal · ordeals
Similar words
- trial
- Can mean a difficult test without such severe suffering.
- hardship
- Can last continuously rather than form one demanding event.