I. ˈpərgəˌtōrē, ˈpə̄g-, ˈpəig-, -tȯr-, -ri noun
( -es )
Usage: sometimes capitalized
Etymology: Middle English, from Anglo-French or Medieval Latin; Anglo-French purgatorie, from Medieval Latin purgatorium, from neuter of Late Latin purgatorius cleansing, purging, from Latin purgatus (past participle of purgare to purge) + -orius -ory — more at purge
1. : an intermediate state after death for expiatory purification ; specifically : a place or state of punishment wherein according to Roman Catholic doctrine the souls of those who die in God's grace may expiate venial sins or satisfy divine justice for the temporal punishment still due to remitted mortal sin
2.
a. : a place or state like purgatory : a condition or prolonged and usually penitential suffering : temporary torture or punishment : acute misery
the return trip was absolute purgatory
b. : an expiation or means of expiation
3.
a. : a chasm or cleft in a cliff or wall of rock differing from a flume in not having a stream
b. chiefly dialect : swamp ; especially : a swamp that is dangerous or difficult to cross
II. adjective
Etymology: Middle English, from Late Latin purgatorius
archaic : purgative , purgatorial
III. transitive verb
( -ed/-ing/-es )
Etymology: purgatory (I)
: to put into a purgatory or a purgatorial situation : subject to prolonged suffering