heart-searching
Americannoun
noun
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of heart-searching
First recorded in 1640–50; heart ( def. ) + searching ( def. )
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
In the aftermath there will be much heart-searching and even recriminations that this massive stockpile of ammonium nitrate was left unattended in such a sensitive place as the docks.
From Washington Times ● Aug. 5, 2020
When Elizabeth, played with exquisite subtlety by Clare Foy, learns that her pledge was based on faulty advice served up by her lugubrious private secretary, Tommy Lascelles, she is full of consternation and hesitant heart-searching.
From New York Times ● Nov. 23, 2016
She needed no heart-searching to decide where her duty lay; and, without hesitation, she returned hotfoot to Belgium, where she had an intuition that she would be wanted.
From A Noble Woman The Life-Story of Edith Cavell by Protheroe, Ernest
Beauty of substance, of mood, of form, of quiet, heart-searching phrase!
From The Book of Susan A Novel by Dodd, Lee Wilson
"Mr. Hankes, Mr. Hankes, this is serious," said Dunn, as he bent upon the affrighted man a look of heart-searching significance.
From Davenport Dunn, Volume 2 (of 2) A Man Of Our Day by Lever, Charles James
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
