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Noun: purgatory  'pur-gu,to-ree [N. Amer], pur-gu-t(u-)ree [Brit]
  1. A temporary condition of torment or suffering
    "a purgatory of drug abuse"
     
  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

Derived forms: purgatories

Type of: fictitious place, imaginary place, mythical place, situation

Encyclopedia: Purgatory, Colorado