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 verb1: to strike sharply or heavily especially with the hand or an implement held in the hand2 a: to kill or severely injure by smiting b: to attack or afflict suddenly and injuriously <smitten by disease>3: to cause to strike4: 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