limbo
nounmasculine/ˈlĩbu/low
lim·bo
Definitions
1An uncertain period of awaiting a decision or resolution; an intermediate state or condition of neglect or oblivion.
The new law has left many immigrants in legal limbo.
The company's future is in limbo until the takeover is decided.
Common collocations
in limbolegal limbopolitical limbo
2(Theology, archaic) In medieval Catholic doctrine, a region on the border of hell for the souls of unbaptized infants and the righteous who died before Christ.
The concept of limbo is no longer emphasized in Catholic teaching.
Medieval theologians wrote extensively about limbo.
Common collocations
limbo of the fatherslimbo of infants
Etymology
Do latim 'limbus' (borda, franja). Na teologia cristã, referia-se à 'borda' do Inferno.