Ordeal
/ɔːrˈdiːl/noun
A severe trial or test, especially a painful or difficult experience.
Did you know?In medieval law, an ordeal was a literal ritual test believed to reveal truth through God’s judgment, turning a word for “trial” into a kind of sacred danger spell.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*del-
“to divide, share out”
Proto-Germanic
PGmc
*dailaz
“a share, portion”
Old English
OE
ordǣl
“judgment by trial; a test or proof”
Old French
OF
ordeal
“trial by combat or other judicial test”
Middle English
English
ordeal
“a severe trial or test, especially one involving pain or danger”
Modern English
English
ordeal
“a very difficult or unpleasant experience”