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.
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