What does smitten mean?
Smitten is an adjective that most often describes someone who is intensely enamored, captivated, or emotionally overwhelmed by another person, place, or thing. Its characteristic modern expression is “smitten with,” as in someone being smitten with a partner, a landscape, or a new hobby. The word can suggest a sudden, powerful, even irrational fascination, so it often carries a warm, romantic, or playful tone. In less common or more literary use, “smitten” also means deeply affected by suffering, damage, or an adverse circumstance, as in a crop being smitten by drought. Today, however, the romantic and enthusiastic sense dominates. The word is vivid and memorable because it presents attraction as something forceful, like a blow that leaves a lasting emotional impression.
Deeply enamored of or captivated by someone or something; intensely enthusiastic about a person, place, or interest.
"The tourists were instantly smitten with the coastal town."
Usually used in the expression “smitten with.”
Heavily affected or afflicted by a condition, damage, or emotional experience.
"The vineyard was smitten by drought and heat."
This sense is less common today and has a more formal or figurative character.
Being “smitten with” someone can mean that love has struck you before you even have time to resist it.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does smitten come from?
Smitten is the past participle of the now uncommon verb “smite,” meaning to strike or affect forcibly. The verb comes from Old English sītan, with cognates in other Germanic languages, and its historical sense was associated with striking, especially with lightning or a destructive force. “Smitten” consequently developed the meanings of being struck, damaged, or afflicted, before its modern use for being overwhelmed by love or admiration. Its present romantic association developed through the idea of being powerfully struck by love.
Related word forms
How smitten is actually used
In contemporary English, “smitten” is especially idiomatic in the phrase “smitten with,” where it expresses romantic infatuation or enthusiastic admiration. It can also be used figuratively for an intense fascination with an activity, place, or interest. The older sense meaning afflicted or damaged remains understandable but is less common.
Easily confused with smitten
“Smitten” is an adjective describing intense attraction or affliction, while “smittenly” is an adverb meaning in an absent or emotionally overwhelmed manner.
Both can describe being afflicted, but “smitten” is especially common in expressions such as “smitten with” for strong attraction, whereas “stricken” more often describes suffering or being disabled by a condition.