Associations to the word «Purgatory»

Wiktionary

PURGATORY, noun. (theology) In Catholicism, the stage of the afterlife where souls suffer for their sins before they can enter heaven
PURGATORY, noun. Any situation causing suffering
PURGATORY, adjective. Tending to cleanse; expiatory.

Dictionary definition

PURGATORY, noun. A temporary condition of torment or suffering; "a purgatory of drug abuse".
PURGATORY, noun. (theology) in Roman Catholic theology the place where those who have died in a state of grace undergo limited torment to expiate their sins.

Wise words

We should have a great fewer disputes in the world if words were taken for what they are, the signs of our ideas only, and not for things themselves.
John Locke