Purgatory

Pronunciation

• US IPA: /ˈpɚɡəˌtÉ”ri/

Origin

From Latin purgātōrium ("cleansing"). Cognate to English purge.

Full definition of purgatory

Noun

1. (theology) In Catholicism, the stage of the afterlife where souls suffer for their sins before they can enter heaven
2. any situation causing suffering

Derived terms

• purgatorial

Adjective

1. Tending to cleanse; expiatory.