English noun: ordeal | |||
1. | ordeal (event) a severe or trying experience | ||
Broader (hypernym) | experience | ||
2. | ordeal (act) a primitive method of determining a person's guilt or innocence by subjecting the accused person to dangerous or painful tests believed to be under divine control; escape was usually taken as a sign of innocence | ||
Synonyms | trial by ordeal | ||
Broader (hypernym) | trial | ||