ordeal
UK: ɔːˈdiːl | US: ɔːrˈdiːl
n. a difficult or painful experience, especially one that tests character or endurance
n. (historical) a primitive method of trial in which the accused underwent dangerous or painful tests, believed to determine guilt or innocence by divine intervention
The word "ordeal" traces back to Old English ordāl, derived from Proto-Germanic uzdailiją, meaning "judgment" or "divine verdict." The prefix or- may relate to "out" or "divine," while -deal comes from a root meaning "to divide" or "allot." Historically, an ordeal was a literal "judgment by ordeal," where physical suffering (e.g., holding hot iron) was believed to reveal truth. Over time, it evolved metaphorically to signify any severe trial.
Surviving the hurricane was a true ordeal for the villagers.
The marathon became an ordeal after his injury.
In medieval Europe, trial by ordeal was a common legal practice.
Moving houses turned into an ordeal due to bad weather.
She described her divorce as an emotional ordeal.