n.
Pronunciation: ˌ tri-by ə - ' l ā -sh ə n
Function: noun
Etymology: Middle English tribulacion, from Anglo-French, from Latin tribulation-, tribulatio, from tribulare to press, oppress, from tribulum drag used in threshing, from terere to rub ― more at THROW
Date: 13th century
: distress or suffering resulting from oppression or persecution also : a trying experience <the trials and tribulation s of starting a new business>