Meaning of purgatory in English

Table of contents
  1. Pronunciation
  2. Noun
    1. Etymology
    2. Definitions

  1. Pronunciation

    /ˈpərɡəˌtɔri/

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  1. Noun

    purgatory

    Etymology

    Middle English: from Anglo-Norman French purgatorie or medieval Latin purgatorium, neuter (used as a noun) of late Latin purgatorius‘purifying’, from the verb purgare (see purge)

    Definitions

    1. a temporary condition of torment or suffering

    Examples

    • « a purgatory of drug abuse »
  2. 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

Famous quotes

  • « Marriage is neither heaven nor hell, it is simply purgatory. »
    Abraham Lincoln
  • « So many people of color who made major contributions to American history have been trapped in the purgatory of history. »
    Henry Louis Gates

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