What does smarting mean?
Smarten means to cause someone continuing emotional pain, indignation, or wounded feelings, especially after being insulted, betrayed, or treated unjustly. The word suggests a hurt that lingers and may be revisited, as in the expression “still smarting from the betrayal.” Although it can convey physical pain in older usage, its dominant modern sense is emotional: the discomfort is caused by something affronting to a person’s dignity or sense of fairness. Smarting is especially effective when the hurt is partly a matter of pride and unresolved resentment. The present participle form is used both directly (“The decision left him smarting”) and in a more literary, sustained style. It is less common than the simpler and more neutral words hurt, ache, and sting, but it conveys a more specific mixture of emotional pain and indignation.
verbHurt or offend someone emotionally, especially by unfair treatment or an affront to their dignity.
- To experience emotional pain, hurt, or indignation, especially as a result of an insult, betrayal, or perceived injustice.
"The insult continued to smart long after the argument had ended."
"She was still smarting from the way he had dismissed her."
"The injustice of the decision left the community smarting."
Smarting is the feeling of being wounded by words, betrayal, or injustice long after the moment has passed.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does smarting come from?
Smarten comes from the English adjective and verb smart, a word of Germanic origin associated with a sharp or painful sensation. In modern usage, the verb smart has come to mean cause emotional pain or indignation, a sense that developed from ideas of being physically hurt or affected painfully. The form smarting is the present participle of that verb.
Related word forms
How smarting is actually used
In current usage, smarting usually describes emotional hurt or indignation rather than physical pain. It is common in British and American English but often has a somewhat literary or narrative tone.
Easily confused with smarting
Smarten means to make someone or something more intelligent, attractive, or polished, whereas smarting means to cause emotional pain.