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 pain2 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>