Noun: purgatory 'pur-gu,to-ree [N. Amer], pur-gu-t(u-)ree [Brit]
- (theology) in Roman Catholic theology the place where those who have died in a state of grace undergo limited torment to expiate their sins
"The priest spoke about the souls in purgatory"
- A temporary condition of torment or suffering
"a purgatory of drug abuse"
Derived forms: purgatories
Type of: fictitious place, imaginary place, mythical place, situation
Encyclopedia: Purgatory, Colorado