Main Entry: ²smart

Function: intransitive verb

Etymology: Middle English smerten, from Old English smeortan; akin to Old High German smerzan to pain

Date: 13th century

1 : to cause or be the cause or seat of a sharp stinging pain; also : to feel or have such a pain
2 a : to feel or endure distress, remorse, or embarrassment <smarting from wounded vanity — W. L. Shirer> b : to pay a heavy or stinging penalty <would have to smart for this foolishness>