purgatory
pronunciation
How to pronounce purgatory in British English:
UK [ˈpɜ:gətri]
How to pronounce purgatory in American English:
US [ˈpɜrgətɔri]
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- Noun:
- a temporary condition of torment or suffering
- (theology) in Roman Catholic theology the place where those who have died in a state of grace undergo limited torment to expiate their sins
Word Origin
- purgatory (n.)
- c. 1200, from Old French purgatore and directly from Medieval Latin purgatorium (St. Bernard, early 12c.), in Latin, "means of cleansing," noun use of neuter of purgatorius (adj.) "purging, cleansing," from purgat-, past participle stem of Latin purgare (see purge (v.)). Figurative use from late 14c.
Example
- 1. Before iran reaches paradise , a spell in purgatory beckons .
- 2. How long could I withstand that purgatory ?
- 3. Or was purgatory the right word ?
- 4. The reformation did away with purgatory , but ghosts still walked and sought revenge .
- 5. Medieval people believed that souls wandered out of purgatory , haunting their enemies and pleading for release .