Smite means to hit, strike, or punish someone or something, often with force. It is an old word, and in modern English it is usually seen in formal, literary, or religious writing rather than everyday conversation.
In real life, people usually do not say “smite” in casual speech. You are more likely to hear it in stories, the Bible, fantasy games, or dramatic writing. It can also be used in a humorous way, like saying someone was “smote” by bad luck or embarrassment.
Meaning & Usage
Smite can mean to strike hard, defeat, or punish. In older or religious language, it may also mean to bring down with power or judgment. The past form is often written as smote, though smited is also sometimes used in modern contexts.
Examples
“The hero smote the enemy with one powerful blow.”
“The storm smote the coastline.”
“He was smitten by guilt after lying.”
Is “smite” used in everyday English?
Not much. Most people use simpler words like hit, strike, punish, or defeat instead.
What does “smitten” mean?
Smitten usually means strongly attracted to someone, or deeply affected by something. For example, “He was smitten with her” means he really liked her.
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