ordeal
Translation
ordeal, trial, tribulation
Examples
The long hike in the storm was an ordeal.
The long hike in the storm was an ordeal.
He described his ordeal as a hostage.
He described his ordeal as a hostage.
Grammar Patterns
((an ordeal)) a very unpleasant and painful or difficult experience. The interview was an ordeal.
((the ordeal of -ing)) the difficult experience of doing something. She went through the ordeal of a long recovery.
Similar Words
Synonyms: trial, tribulation, hardship, suffering
Etymology
From Old English 'ordāl', meaning 'judgment, verdict', especially a trial by fire or water. It now means any severe trial.
Memory Tips
Sounds like 'or deal'. Imagine a situation where you have to make a very difficult 'deal' or face a terrible outcome. It's an 'or-deal'.