Purgatory
/ˈpɝɡəˌtɔɹi/ adj, name, noun
adj, name, noun ·Moderate ·College level
Definitions
Noun
- 1 Alternative letter-case form of Purgatory. alt-of, countable, uncountable
- 2 (theology) in Roman Catholic theology the place where those who have died in a state of grace undergo limited torment to expiate their sins wordnet
- 3 Any situation where suffering is endured, particularly as part of a process of redemption. countable, uncountable
"[…] many Gods breedeth heathens miseries, many countries trauailers humors, many wiues mens purgatories, and many friends trustes ruine:"
- 4 a temporary condition of torment or suffering wordnet
Adjective
- 1 Tending to cleanse; expiatory.
"Last of all, the prodigie of Siracusa was expiat by a purgatory sacrifice, by direction from the soothsaiers to what gods, supplications and sacrifice should be made."
Proper Noun
- 1 An intermediate state after death in which some of those ultimately destined for Heaven must first undergo purification.
Example
More examples"Marriage, in peace, is this world's paradise; in strife, this life's purgatory."
Etymology
From Middle English purgatorie, from Old French purgatore, purgatorie, from Latin purgātōrium (“cleansing”). Cognate to English purge.