trial

tri|al1 [ `traıəl ] noun ***

1. ) count or uncount the process of examining a case in a court of law and deciding whether someone is guilty or INNOCENT. When a case comes to trial it is brought to a court and the person who has been accused of a crime stands trial (=appears in court):

a murder/rape/fraud trial

a civil/criminal trial

on trial (for something): They're on trial for armed robbery.

trial on: He remains in prison awaiting trial on major fraud charges.

2. ) count or uncount the process of testing a product, plan, or person over a period of time:

The drug is now undergoing clinical trials.

a trial period: The system will operate for a six-month trial period.

a trial basis: We've installed the new system on a trial basis.

a trial separation (=when a married couple decide to live apart for a short time): She wanted a trial separation but he insisted on a divorce.

3. ) count a painful or difficult experience:

She writes about the trials of life on the American frontier.

a ) singular someone who causes problems or is annoying:

The kids can be a real trial at times.

4. ) count usually plural a sports competition during which people are tested and chosen for a later competition:

The Olympic trials are to be held next week.

trial and error

a way of finding a good method that involves trying several possibilities and learning from your mistakes

trial by fire

a difficult situation that tests someone's strengths and abilities:

We now faced a tortuous trial by fire as we attempted to climb to the summit in a blinding snowstorm.

trial by jury

a legal trial in which someone is judged by a JURY (=a group of ordinary people chosen for the purpose)

trials and tribulations

the difficulties and problems involved in something:

the trials and tribulations of parenthood

trial

tri|al 2 [ `traıəl ] verb transitive BRITISH

to test something thoroughly to see if it works