soul search1
/ˈsəʊl səːtʃ/noun
The action or an act of searching a soul, or the soul.
Origin
Mid 17th century; earliest use found in Nicholas Billingsley (bap. 1633, d. 1709), religious poet and Presbyterian minister. From soul + search, after soul-searching.
soul-search2
/ˈsəʊlsəːtʃ/verb
1 [with object] To examine penetratingly and thoroughly; to make a soul-searching analysis of; (refl.) to examine (oneself) in this way.
2 [no object] To engage in soul-searching; to reflect deeply on one’s beliefs, feelings, motives, or actions.
Origin
Late 19th century (in an earlier sense). From soul + search.
- water polo
- water poplar
- water pore
- water port
- water-pot
- water potential
- water-pourer
- water poverty
- water power
- water-powered
- water press
- water pressure
- water-pressure engine
- water primrose
- water privilege
- waterproof
- waterproofer
- waterproofness
- water pump
- water-puppy
- water purification
- water purslane
- water-quake
- water race
- water rail