purgatory
UK: ˈpɜːɡətəri | US: ˈpɜːrɡətɔːri
n. (in Christian theology) a place or state of temporary suffering or purification for souls destined for heaven.
n. (figurative) any situation causing prolonged mental or emotional distress.
purgatory = purgat<cleanse> + ory<place-related suffix>
- purgat (from Latin purgare, meaning "to cleanse" or "purify")
- ory (a suffix derived from Latin -orium, indicating a place or thing associated with an action)
Etymology Origin:
The word purgatory originates from Late Latin purgatorium, meaning "a place of cleansing." It reflects the theological concept of post-death purification before entering heaven. The root purgat ties to purification rituals, while -ory designates it as a physical or metaphorical "place." Over time, its meaning expanded metaphorically to describe any prolonged, painful waiting state.
In Catholic doctrine, souls in purgatory undergo purification before reaching heaven.
The endless paperwork felt like a bureaucratic purgatory.
She described her recovery as a purgatory between illness and health.
The refugees endured a purgatory of uncertainty in the camp.
His guilt trapped him in a psychological purgatory for years.