verb
smite
smyt
Smite (verb) means (literary) To strike hard, especially with a weapon or divine power. Example: “In the story, a bolt of lightning was said to smite the tower.”
verb
1
(literary) To strike hard, especially with a weapon or divine power.
"In the story, a bolt of lightning was said to smite the tower."
"He felt smitten with sudden guilt."
How to use smite
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishTo strike someone or something violently, often used in religious or dramatic writing.
When to use it
Mostly literary, biblical, or humorous now — rare in everyday speech.
Easily confused with
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Word forms
- Plural
- smites
- Third person singular
- smites
- Past tense
- smote, smited, smit, smitten
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
In the story, a bolt of lightning was said to _____ the tower.
Etymology
From Old English smītan, "to smear or strike," related to German schmeißen, "to fling or throw."
Related words
Rhymes for smite
See all rhymes for smite →Frequently asked questions
What does “smite” mean?
The word “smite” means (literary) To strike hard, especially with a weapon or divine power. In plain terms, to strike someone or something violently, often used in religious or dramatic writing.
How do you pronounce “smite”?
“Smite” is pronounced smyt (/smaɪt/ in IPA).
How do you use “smite” in a sentence?
Here is “smite” used in a sentence: “In the story, a bolt of lightning was said to smite the tower.”
What part of speech is “smite”?
“Smite” is a verb.
Where does the word “smite” come from?
The word “smite” comes from Old English. From Old English smītan, "to smear or strike," related to German schmeißen, "to fling or throw.".
