trial

¹tri·al

noun \ˈtrī(-ə)l\

Definition of TRIAL

1

a : the action or process of trying or putting to the proof : test b : a preliminary contest (as in a sport)

2

: the formal examination before a competent tribunal of the matter in issue in a civil or criminal cause in order to determine such issue

3

: a test of faith, patience, or stamina through subjection to suffering or temptation; broadly : a source of vexation or annoyance

4

a : a tryout or experiment to test quality, value, or usefulness — compare clinical trial b : one of a number of repetitions of an experiment

5

: attempt

Examples of TRIAL

1. He did not get a fair trial.
2. He testified at the trial.
3. She is awaiting trial on charges of assault.
4. Early trials have shown that the treatment has some serious side effects.
5. Recovering from her injury was a real trial of strength.
6. I know I was a bit of a trial to my parents when I was a teenager.
7. Cold winters can be a trial for older people.

Origin of TRIAL

Anglo-French, from trier to try

First Known Use: 15th century

Related to TRIAL

Synonyms: cross, crucible, fire, gauntlet (also gantlet), ordeal, baptism of fire

Related Words: baptism, initiation; adversity, affliction, asperity, misadventure, mischance, misfortune, mishap, privation, tragedy, tribulation, trouble, vicissitude, woe; acid test, litmus test; challenge, complication, difficulty, grief, grievance, hardship, rigor; annoyance, discomfort, inconvenience, nuisance

Near Antonyms: delight, joy, pleasure

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