ordeal
Definitions
A painful or horrific experience, trial, or suffering.
An ancient form of trial in which the accused was subjected to dangerous tests to determine guilt or innocence by divine judgment.
Examples
The hikers survived a harrowing ordeal after getting lost in the mountains for three days.
She finally put the painful ordeal behind her and started focusing on a brighter future.
Synonyms
trial tribulation test struggle hardship affliction nightmare