Purgatory

/ˈpɜːrɡəˌtɔːri/

Meaning & Definition

noun

A state or place of temporary punishment where, according to some beliefs, souls are purified before they can enter heaven.

Many people believe that after death, the soul must pass through purgatory to be cleansed of its sins.

A prolonged period of suffering or waiting, often characterized by frustration and difficulty.

The long hours spent waiting for news felt like purgatory to the anxious family.

From Middle English purgatorie, from Latin purgatorium, meaning 'place of cleansing or purging'.

purgatory of waiting

A situation where one experiences prolonged discomfort or uncertainty.

purgatory for the soul

Metaphorically refers to any situation of moral or ethical trial.

living in purgatory

Experiencing a prolonged period of difficulty without resolution.

atonement

The action of making amends for a wrong.

redemption

The action of saving or being saved from sin, error, or evil.

penitence

The feeling of regret or remorse for one's sins or wrongdoings.

A tedious or uncomfortable waiting period.

That line at the DMV was pure purgatory.

An interim state of being lost or confused.

After graduating, I felt like I was in purgatory, not knowing what to do next.