Need another word for Smite? Use these synonyms of Smite from our thesaurus to say it differently.
Synonyms & Similar Words
strike
hit
attack
assault
beat
batter
thrash
pummel
pound
clobber
wallop
whack
slap
smack
clip
clout
punch
kick
jab
poke
prod
stab
slash
smutch
bludgeon
bruise
crush
demolish
destroy
devastate
ruin
ravage
mar
damage
harm
hurt
injure
wound
maim
disable
incapacitate
annihilate
exterminate
eradicate
eliminate
Meaning of Smite
The primary meaning of the word "Smite" is to inflict a blow on someone or something, often in a strong and violent manner.
Definitions
- To strike or hit someone or something, typically with a blow: according to Oxford Languages, this is the primary definition of the word.
- To inflict a severe or crushing blow, either physically or emotionally: this definition highlights the intensity of the word.
- To attack or assault someone or something with a strong and violent motion: Oxford Languages notes that this definition often connotes a sense of sudden and powerful force.
Etymology of Smite
The word "Smite" originated from Old English "smītan", which is derived from Proto-Germanic "smītan" and Proto-Indo-European "sme-" (to throw, cast): Oxford Languages provides this etymological background.
Historically, the word has been used in various contexts, including biblical and literary works, to convey a sense of powerful and often divine retribution or punishment: this usage is noted in Oxford Languages.
Example Uses
- The warrior raised his sword to smite his enemy with a mighty blow: this example illustrates the word's use in a physical context.
- The news of her betrayal smote her like a ton of bricks, leaving her heartbroken and devastated: this example shows the word's use in an emotional context.
- The hurricane smote the coastal town with powerful winds and heavy rainfall, causing widespread destruction: this example demonstrates the word's use in describing natural disasters.