What does smite mean?
Smite is a forceful, somewhat literary verb meaning to strike, hit, punish, or afflict someone or something. Its literal sense may refer to a powerful physical blow, as when a knight smites an opponent with a sword. In figurative and religious contexts, it describes severe punishment or devastation, including the idea of divine judgment. The word also underlies the familiar expression 'smitten with,' in which a person is intensely attracted to someone or something, often with a charming or humorous emphasis. Although smite can sound dramatic or old-fashioned, it remains useful in poetry, historical writing, storytelling, and deliberately elevated prose. In everyday conversation, speakers usually choose strike or hit for physical force, while smitten is the form most likely to sound natural and familiar.
verbTo strike or hit someone or something with force. In literary, archaic, or religious contexts, it can also mean to afflict, punish, or affect someone or something suddenly and severely.
- To strike or hit someone or something with force.
- To afflict, punish, or cause serious harm to someone or something.
- To affect someone suddenly and intensely, especially through love, attraction, or enthusiasm.
"The knight smote the enemy with his sword."
"The storm smote the coast with waves that rose higher than the cliffs."
"She was immediately smitten with the puppy's enormous, eager eyes."
The word 'smite' survives today mainly in dramatic or religious language, while its past participle 'smitten' lives on in the expression 'smitten with.'
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does smite come from?
The English verb smite comes from Old English smītan, an Old Germanic word meaning to strike or hit. Its relatives include Dutch smijten and German schmeißen, which continue to mean to strike or throw forcefully; Swedish smälla is also historically related. The modern English sense extends metaphorically from physical striking to punishment, destruction, and intense emotional effect. The form smitten developed as the past participle and later became an adjective in phrases such as 'smitten with.'
Related word forms
How smite is actually used
In modern English, smite is chiefly literary, archaic, biblical, or deliberately dramatic. The expression 'smitten with' is much more common in ordinary speech and usually means intensely charmed or infatuated.
Easily confused with smite
A smile is a facial expression that usually indicates amusement or friendliness, whereas a smite is a forceful strike or, in figurative use, a severe affliction.
Smitten is the past participle and adjective form of smite, especially in the expression 'smitten with,' meaning intensely attracted to or obsessed with someone or something.