smite

[smahyt]

verb (used with object)

smote , smit, smitten, smit, smiting. .

1. to strike or hit hard, with or as with the hand, a stick, or other weapon.

   She smote him on the back with her umbrella.

   Synonyms: slap, buffet, cuff, knock

2. to deliver or deal (a blow, hit, etc.) by striking hard.

3. to strike down, injure, or slay.

   His sword had smitten thousands.

4. to afflict or attack with deadly or disastrous effect.

   smitten by polio.

5. to affect mentally or morally with a sudden pang.

   His conscience smote him.

6. to affect suddenly and strongly with a specified feeling.

   They were smitten with terror.

7. to impress favorably; charm; enamor.

   He was smitten by her charms.

verb (used without object)

smote , smit, smitten, smit, smiting. .

1. to strike; deal a blow.

smite

/ smaɪt /

verb

1. to strike with a heavy blow or blows

2. to damage with or as if with blows

3. to afflict or affect severely

   smitten with flu

4. to afflict in order to punish

5. to strike forcibly or abruptly

   the sun smote down on him

Other Word Forms

• smiter noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of smite¹

First recorded before 900; Middle English smiten, Old English smītan; cognate with German schmeissen “to throw,” Dutch smijten

Word History and Origins

Origin of smite¹

Old English smītan; related to Old High German smīzan to smear, Gothic bismeitan, Old Swedish smēta to daub

Idioms and Phrases

Idioms

1. smite hip and thigh. hip.

Example Sentences

She notes that only recently has she become smitten with fountain pens.

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Walking on the beach, I was almost too smitten to feel embarrassed by his very European Speedo.

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A source told the magazine that the actors are “smitten with each other.”

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I was instantly smitten, and he left me wanting more.

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Practice exposure therapy — when you see a smitten couple engaging in a sweet moment, don’t look away out of shame or jealousy.

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Related Words

• afflict