Homonym: Ordeal (Trial)
An "ordeal" refers to a difficult or painful experience that someone must endure. It often involves a significant challenge or hardship that tests a person's strength, resilience, or character. Ordeals can occur in various contexts, such as personal struggles, medical situations, or challenging life events.
Historically, the term "ordeal" was also used to describe a method of justice in which a person would undergo a physical trial to prove their innocence or guilt. This could involve tasks like carrying hot objects or being submerged in water, with the outcome believed to be determined by divine intervention.