smite

verb \ˈsmīt\

: to hurt, kill, or punish (someone or something)

: to hit (someone or something) very hard

smote \ˈsmōt\ smit·ten \ˈsmi-t^ən\ or smotesmit·ing \ˈsmī-tiŋ\

Full Definition of SMITE

transitive verb

: to strike sharply or heavily especially with the hand or an implement held in the hand

a : to kill or severely injure by smiting

b : to attack or afflict suddenly and injuriously <smitten by disease>

: to cause to strike

: to affect as if by striking <children smitten with the fear of hell — V. L. Parrington>

: 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

See smite defined for English-language learners

See smite defined for kids

Middle English, from Old English smītan to smear, defile; akin to Old High German bismīzan to defile

First Known Use: 12th century

Synonyms: bang, bash, bat, belt, biff, bludgeon, bob, bonk, bop, box, bust, clap, clip, clobber, clock, clout, crack, hammer, knock, nail, paste, pound, punch, rap, slam, slap, slog, slug, smack, hit, sock, strike, swat, swipe, tag, thump, thwack, wallop, whack, whale, zap

SMITING Defined for Kids

verb \ˈsmīt\

smote \ˈsmōt\smit·ten \ˈsmi-t^ən\smit·ing \ˈsmī-tiŋ\

: to strike hard especially with the hand or a weapon

: to kill or injure

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