The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language: Fourth Edition. 2000.
smite
PRONUNCIATION: smt
VERB: Inflected forms: smote ( smt), smit·ten ( smtn) or smote, smit·ing, smites
TRANSITIVE VERB: 1a. To inflict a heavy blow on, with or as if with the hand, a tool, or a weapon. b. To drive or strike (a weapon, for example) forcefully onto or into something else. 2. To attack, damage, or destroy by or as if by blows. 3a. To afflict: The population was smitten by the plague. b. To afflict retributively; chasten or chastise. 4. To affect sharply with great feeling: He was smitten by deep remorse.
INTRANSITIVE VERB: To deal a blow with or as if with the hand or a hand-held weapon.
ETYMOLOGY: Middle English smiten, from Old English smtan, to smear.
OTHER FORMS: smiter —NOU
"The Lord hath surely smote their behinds."
