Purgatory (noun)

1. A place or state of temporary punishment for souls that have died in a state of grace but have not yet fulfilled their penance.
2. A place of purification or temporary suffering before entering heaven.
3. A state of temporary suffering or hardship.

Origin:

From old french purgatoire, from latin purgatorium, from purgare ("to cleanse, to purg.e")

Examples:

1. According to Catholic doctrine, souls in purgatory are being cleansed of their sins before entering heaven.
2. The hike up the mountain was a purgatory of steep inclines and rocky terrain.
3. He referred to his time in prison as a purgatory that he had to endure.
4. The soul in purgatory will not be freed until it has completed its penance.
5. The waiting room was a purgatory of endless magazines and bad coffee.