omphaloskepsis

noun

om·pha·lo·skep·sis ˌäm(p)-fə-lō-ˈskep-səs

: contemplation of one's navel as an aid to meditation

omphaloskepsis practiced by Eastern mystics

also : navel-gazing

a preponderance of emotional self-awareness has sent us sliding dangerously into omphaloskepsis —

Fiona McCann

Example Sentences

Recent Examples on the Web In an especially gorgeous slow movement, Dudamel revealed Mahler’s ethereal omphaloskepsis as navel gazing with Buddha-level profundity. —

Los Angeles Times, 26 Oct. 2021 Shivaree, chthonian, erumpent, tintinnabulation, exonumia, requiescat, deipnosophist, omphaloskepsis, horripilation, deliquesce, apopemptic. —

Los Angeles Times, 26 Oct. 2021 The elite obsession with admissions policies at what are, after all, mostly elite institutions is omphaloskepsis-as-policy: The genuinely downtrodden are not applying to study at Haverford College. —

Kevin D. Williamson, National Review, 3 Aug. 2017

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'omphaloskepsis.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

New Latin, from Greek omphalos + skepsis examination — more at spy

First Known Use

1925, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler

The first known use of omphaloskepsis was in 1925

See more words from the same year

Cite this Entry

Style

“Omphaloskepsis.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/omphaloskepsis. Accessed 13 Jul. 2023.

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