smite

USAGE SUMMARY

'smite' is an English word and is used in written English.
You can use 'smite' to mean to inflict a heavy blow, sometimes of judgement, to something or someone. For example, "The gods smote the wicked with thunder and lightning."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

One of Hanna Krall's many ways of saying the unspeakable without smiting us with it, the way events smite Izolda, is to give us playful pauses along the way, and to punctuate the story with "armchair"' sketches in which Izolda looks back from the future.

The Guardian - Books

It is, the authors reckon, a conservative one.In this section No picnic Requiem for a prudent man Still wobbling Shellshock Cereal offenders How to smite Smoot Divine intervention Marjorie Deane internship Correction: Foreign exchange ReprintsIt assumes all industries respond to liberalisation in the same way, and that competition is perfect, which it is not.

The Economist

Attempts to smite vice in Scotland sometimes prepare the way for similar measures elsewhere: the Scots banned smoking in public buildings, for example, a year before the English did.The biggest challenge, though, is changing public attitudes towards alcohol.

The Economist

Israel could of course smite its enemies with ever-bloodier fervour.

The Economist

Similarly, when Hurricane Katrina swept across America's Gulf coast on August 29th 2005, deluging New Orleans and making more than 1m people homeless, the world realised that nature could smite a rich country as easily as a poor one.An equally sobering lesson, though, had come just a month earlier, on July 26th, when 994mm (over three feet) of rain had fallen in 24 hours on Mumbai.

The Economist

There might be the odd squabble between Sunnis, Shias, Christians and adherents of archaic notions of nation; but united by a common tongue, the Arabs would be sure to get along fine, especially if they teamed up to smite the Persian-speakers on the other side of the Gulf.

The Economist

Better to keep them behind that wall and smite them if they raise their heads.Maybe the hardliners will win out; yet the Arab spring may change their calculations.

The Economist

That's why many of us are, as Mr Surowiecki reports, willing to hurt ourselves just to smite those who deal unfairly.

The Economist

It satisfies society's legitimate desire to smite evildoers (though advocates of restorative justice may favour community work or fines).

The Economist

Their homestead is one of the few his militiamen have yet to smite.

The Economist

A Saudi blogger reports that the Friday sermon at his local mosque took a more general approach, describing the heavenly anger as simply intended to smite "the capital of the infidels".

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "smite" when you want to convey a sense of forceful impact or divine retribution. It's particularly effective in contexts where you want to add a touch of archaic or dramatic flair.

Common error

Avoid using "smite" interchangeably with verbs like "hit" or "strike" in casual contexts. "Smite" carries a connotation of divine or powerful force, making it unsuitable for everyday scenarios.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "smite" is as a verb, typically used transitively. It denotes the act of striking with great force, often carrying connotations of divine intervention or righteous judgment, as exemplified by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Encyclopedias

15%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Social Media

5%

Wiki

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the verb "smite" signifies a forceful and often divinely motivated strike. Ludwig's analysis confirms its grammatical correctness and highlights its frequent usage in News & Media and Encyclopedias. While its register leans toward formal, its impact is undeniable. As Ludwig AI suggests, "smite" is employed to convey a sense of forceful impact, often with an emphasis on the severity or consequence of the action. While it remains a powerful word, remember to wield it with care, understanding its inherent dramatic weight.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

strike down

Focuses on the act of causing something to fall or be defeated, often implying a sudden or forceful action.

defeat decisively

Emphasizes a clear and complete victory, often in a competitive context.

inflict a blow

Highlights the act of causing harm or damage, whether physical or metaphorical.

lay waste to

Suggests widespread destruction and devastation.

punish severely

Focuses on the imposition of penalties or suffering as a consequence of wrongdoing.

overcome forcefully

Highlights the use of strength or power to conquer an obstacle or opponent.

afflict greatly

Emphasizes the causing of suffering or distress, often over an extended period.

deliver a crushing blow

Stresses the severity and impact of a strike or setback.

bring to ruin

Highlights the act of causing something to fail or collapse completely.

vanquish completely

Emphasizes a thorough and decisive victory, often in a military or competitive setting.

FAQs

How can I use "smite" in a sentence?

Use "smite" to describe a forceful action, often with connotations of divine or righteous judgment. For example, "The gods smote the wicked city." It often indicates a powerful blow or punishment.

What are some alternatives to the word "smite"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "strike down", "defeat decisively", or "punish severely". Choose the alternative that best fits the nuance you intend to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "smite" in modern writing?

Yes, but use it judiciously. "Smite" can add dramatic effect, particularly in fantasy, historical fiction, or when discussing religious themes. However, it might sound overly formal or archaic in casual writing.

What's the difference between "smite" and "strike"?

"Strike" is a more general term for hitting something. "Smite" implies a more forceful, often divinely-motivated, blow. You might strike a ball, but a god would "smite" an enemy.