ordeal

• Substantiv für eine schwere, qualvolle oder prüfende Erfahrung; historisch auch ein primitives Verfahren, bei dem Schuld oder Unschuld durch gefährliche Prüfungen festgestellt werden sollte, die als göttlich gelenkt galten.

A noun referring to a severe, painful, or trying experience, or historically, a primitive method of determining guilt or innocence through dangerous tests believed to be under divine control.

1. Difficult experienceB2formal

   A very unpleasant and prolonged experience that tests a person's endurance.

   Schwere Prüfung

   • The long illness was a terrible ordeal for the whole family.
   • She described her ordeal in court with great composure.
   • Surviving the shipwreck was a harrowing ordeal.

   Synonymeadversitydifficultyhardshipnightmaretesttraumatrialtribulation

   Antonymeblessingcomfortdelightjoypleasuretreat

2. Historical trial methodC1formal

   An ancient practice where a person's guilt or innocence was determined by subjecting them to dangerous tests, with survival considered a sign of innocence.

   Gottesurteil

   • In medieval times, trial by ordeal often involved carrying hot iron.
   • The ordeal of water was used to judge witches in some cultures.
   • Historians study ordeals as part of early legal systems.

   Synonymetrial by ordeal