First Known Use: 12th century
Dictionary
smite
verb \ˈsmīt\
: to hurt, kill, or punish (someone or something)
: to hit (someone or something) very hard
smote \ˈsmōt\ smit·ten \ˈsmi-tən\ or smotesmit·ing \ˈsmī-tiŋ\
Full Definition of SMITE
transitive verb
1
: to strike sharply or heavily especially with the hand or an implement held in the hand
2
a : to kill or severely injure by smiting b : to attack or afflict suddenly and injuriously <smitten by disease>
3
: to cause to strike
4
: to affect as if by striking <children smitten with the fear of hell — V. L. Parrington>
intransitive verb
: to deliver or deal a blow with or as if with the hand or something held
— smit·er \ˈsmī-tər\ noun
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Origin of SMITE
Middle English, from Old English smītan to smear, defile; akin to Old High German bismīzan to defile
Related to SMITE
SMITE Defined for Kids
smite
verb \ˈsmīt\
smote \ˈsmōt\smit·ten \ˈsmi-tən\smit·ing \ˈsmī-tiŋ\
Definition of SMITE for Kids
1
: to strike hard especially with the hand or a weapon
2
: to kill or injure
Learn More About SMITE
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