(in the belief of Roman Catholics and others) a condition or place in which the souls of those dying penitent are purified from venial sins, or undergo the temporal punishment that, after the guilt of mortal sin has been remitted, still remains to be endured by the sinner.

( initial capital letter, italics ) Italian, Purgatorio

any condition or place of temporary punishment, suffering, expiation, or the like.

serving to cleanse, purify, or expiate.

noun

abaddon , abyss , bottomless pit * , everlasting fire , fire and brimstone * , gehenna , hades , infernal regions , limbo , lower world , nether world , perdition , pit , place of torment , suffering , underworld , expiation , hell , misery