What does smiting mean?
Smiting is the present participle of smite, a literary verb meaning to strike or hit with force. As an adjective, it describes a powerful or destructive blow, as in “a smiting blow.” Its second, older sense is to cause serious harm, loss, or distress, a usage that gives the word a stern, martial tone. Though no longer common in everyday speech, smiting appears in formal, archaic, and poetic prose, where it sounds more emphatic than striking and more final than hitting. The word can suggest both physical impact and figurative devastation, allowing writers to describe attacks, defeats, or emotional shocks with vividness. Its unusual sound and old-fashioned flavor also make it useful for deliberate emphasis, though it can sound exaggerated or melodramatic in casual conversation. Related to the Old English verb smītan, smiting preserves a long history of forceful action and carries the unmistakable associations of battle and destruction.
To strike or hit someone or something with great force; in literary usage, to cause severe harm, loss, or distress.
"The gale was smiting the exposed roof throughout the night."
This form is chiefly literary or poetic and is more emphatic than the ordinary verb hitting.
Characterized by a forceful, violent, or destructive strike.
"The champion delivered a smiting blow that knocked his opponent from the ring."
Chiefly used in elevated prose, especially in the established phrase “a smiting blow.”
From a blow that smites to a heart that is smitten, one word links the force of impact with the grip of infatuation.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does smiting come from?
Smiting derives from Old English smītan, “to strike, hit,” a strong verb whose modern descendants include smite and smitten. The present-participle ending -ing follows the usual English pattern, turning smite into smiting. Old English smītan was Germanic and has relatives in Dutch smijten and German schmeißen, both associated with striking or smashing.
Related word forms
How smiting is actually used
Smiting is literary, archaic, or poetic rather than everyday. It is generally stronger and more violent than striking and can suggest destruction, punishment, or figurative devastation.
Easily confused with smiting
Smiting is the present participle of smite, meaning to strike forcefully, whereas smitten is the past participle and also means captivated or deeply enamored.