Main Entry: smite

Pronunciation: \ˈsmīt\

Function: verb

Inflected Form(s): smote \ˈsmōt\; smit·ten \ˈsmi-t^ən\ or smote; smit·ing \ˈsmī-tiŋ\

Etymology: Middle English, from Old English smītan to smear, defile; akin to Old High German bismīzan to defile

Date: 12th century

transitive verb 1 : to strike sharply or heavily especially with the hand or an implement held in the hand
2 a : to kill or severely injure by smiting b : to attack or afflict suddenly and injuriously <smitten by disease>
3 : to cause to strike
4 : to affect as if by striking <children smitten with the fear of hell — V. L. Parrington>
5 : captivate, take <smitten with her beauty>intransitive verb : to deliver or deal a blow with or as if with the hand or something held

— smit·er \ˈsmī-tər\ noun