purgatories
Souls' cleansing realms
Purgatories is the plural of purgatory, originally the Catholic doctrine of a place where souls undergo purification before entering heaven.
The word extends to any state of temporary suffering or waiting: The bureaucratic purgatories of visa applications tested everyone's patience.
We endured separate purgatories—mine was the DMV, hers was the hospital waiting room.
State of uncertain waiting
- netherworldRealm of the dead
- underworldRealm of the departed
- hereafterLife after death
- beyondFarther than something
eternity · abyss · judgement · damnation · salvation · soul · spirit · penance
Removing dirt or toxins
- purificationRemoval of contaminants
- redemptionRecovery or moral restoration
- sanctificationMaking someone or something sacred
- absolutionFormal clearing of guilt
refinement · catharsis · expurgation · atonement · contrition · repentance · penitence · remorse
State of uncertain waiting
- thresholdPoint of beginning
- interimProvisional in-between phase
- waitingRemaining in expectation
- intermediateBetween two levels
passage · temporary · between · middle · antechamber · vestibule · holding · suspension
limbo
State of uncertain waiting
- netherworldRealm of the dead
- underworldRealm of the departed
- hereafterLife after death
beyond · eternity · abyss · judgement · damnation · salvation · soul · spirit · penance · expiation
cleansing
Removing dirt or toxins
- purificationRemoval of contaminants
- redemptionRecovery or moral restoration
- sanctificationMaking someone or something sacred
absolution · refinement · catharsis · expurgation · atonement · contrition · repentance · penitence · remorse · spiritual
limbo
State of uncertain waiting
intermediate · passage · temporary · between · middle · antechamber · vestibule · holding · suspension · delay
torment
Severe prolonged suffering
- agonyExtreme physical or emotional pain
- anguishIntense mental suffering
- painBodily or emotional distress
misery · tribulation · affliction · woe · distress · ordeal · hellish · torture · travail · grief
purgatoriesheavens
Celestial expanse overhead
paradises · hells · Elysium · Elysian Fields · eternal bliss