'purgatory' originates from Latin, specifically the word 'purgatorium,' where 'purgare' meant 'to cleanse.'

'purgatorium' transformed into the Old French word 'purgatoire,' and eventually became the modern English word 'purgatory' through Middle English.

Initially, it meant 'a place of cleansing,' but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'a place or state of suffering for purification.'