Definition of limbo

The word "limbo" originated in the 14th century from the Latin "limbus," which means "border" or "outer boundary." Initially, it referred to the edge or fringe of something, such as a field or a crowd. Over time, the term took on a new meaning in the context of Catholicism and hell. In Christian theology, limbo was a concept introduced in the 12th century to describe a state where unbaptized infants and certain righteous individuals were believed to reside after death. It was seen as a place where they were not punished or rewarded, but rather existed in a neutral state, separate from hell and heaven. This concept of limbo was later refined and eventually abandoned in favor of purgatory. In the 17th century, the word "limbo" took on another meaning, referring to a state of uncertainty or indecision, as if someone was suspended between two options or destinies.