| 释义 |
ˈsoul-search, v.
[Back-formation f. soul-searching ppl. a.]
a. trans. To examine penetratingly and thoroughly; to make a soul-searching analysis of. nonce-use.
b. intr. To engage in examination of one's thoughts, to reflect deeply.
1966Economist 29 Jan. 421/2 Trotsky writing in exile, Mr Alistair Cooke soul-searching the trial of Mr Alger Hiss, Adlai Stevenson eulogising Robert Frost. 1968A. Marin Clash of Distant Thunder (1969) xv. 114 When we tried Eichmann people used to argue and discuss and soul-search. We Jews are very good at that. 1972Daily Tel. 30 Aug. 11/4 Last week there was the heart-rending case of a man in public life soul-searching about the reasons his son took to drugs.
Also as n., an act of soul-searching; hence ˈsoul-searched ppl. a.
1966Guardian 8 July 3/5 (heading) Soul-search by the Liberals. 1970E. M. Brecher Sex Researchers ix. 255 More prolonged eye-contacts, or ‘soul-searches’. 1978Times 9 Oct. 18/4 The most honest and soul-searched response of the conclave. |