smite
UK[smaɪt]US[smaɪt]
v
To hit someone or something very hard.
v
(literary) To kill or injure someone suddenly, especially as a punishment from God.
v
(literary) To affect someone suddenly and powerfully with a strong emotion or desire.
Etymology
The word 'smite' originates from the Old English verb 'smītan', which carried the dual senses of smearing a substance and striking a blow. This connection likely stems from the physical action of hitting something with a messy or impactful force. It is related to other Germanic words like Old High German 'smīzan' (to smear) and Old Norse 'smíta' (to throw, to daub). Over time in English, the meaning of 'smite' specialized and intensified, moving from the general act of striking to one of forceful, often divinely ordained, punishment or overwhelming emotional impact, while its original sense of 'to smear' became obsolete.
Analysis
This is a simplex word of Old English origin. The core root is the Old English verb 'smītan', meaning to smear, to daub, or to strike.
Examples
The hero raised his sword to smite the dragon.
In the biblical story, the angel of death was sent to smite the firstborn of Egypt.
He was smitten with a sudden longing for his homeland.