v. & n.
--v. (past smote; past part. smitten) archaic or literary 1 tr. strike or hit.
2 tr. chastise; defeat.
3 tr. (in passive) a have a sudden strong effect on (was smitten by his conscience). b infatuate, fascinate (was smitten by her beauty).
4 intr. (foll. by on, upon) come forcibly or abruptly upon.
--n. a blow or stroke.
Derivatives:
smiter n.
Etymology: OE smitan smear f. Gmc