smitten

S

smitten (adjective)
/ˈsmɪtən/

Variants

• smitten with
• smitten by
• be smitten
• feel smitten
• get smitten

Meaning

1. Deeply affected by love or strong affection.
2. Strongly attracted or charmed, often suddenly or unexpectedly.
3. Overwhelmed or struck by a powerful feeling or emotion.
4. Afflicted or struck with something intense, such as pain, remorse, or admiration.

Example Sentences

1. She was clearly smitten with the charming barista.
2. He looked smitten after just one conversation with her.
3. I’m still smitten by the beauty of that mountain view.
4. The nation was smitten with grief after the tragic news.

Synonyms: infatuated; captivated; enchanted; charmed; love-struck; enthralled; enamored.

Origin and History

The Intriguing Origin of “Smitten”

The word “smitten” carries a powerful punch, often conjuring images of hearts struck by Cupid’s arrow. But its journey from a word of physical impact to one of profound emotional connection is a fascinating tale woven through centuries of language evolution. While its modern usage primarily describes being deeply captivated or infatuated, its roots lie in a much more forceful action.

The Old English Foundation: “Smite”

The origin of “smitten” traces directly back to the Old English verb “smītan,” which meant “to hit, strike, beat.” This ancient word was used to describe a direct, forceful physical blow. Imagine a blacksmith “smiting” an anvil with a hammer, or a warrior “smiting” an enemy in battle. This core meaning of striking or impacting something is the foundational concept from which “smitten” eventually evolved.

A Middle English Shift: Affliction and Calamity

As Old English transitioned into Middle English (around 1150-1500), the meaning of “smītan” broadened slightly. While still retaining its sense of physical striking, “smitten” began to be used to describe being “struck hard” or “afflicted” by something, often a disaster or a disease. For example, a village might be “smitten” by a plague, or a person “smitten” with illness. This usage highlights a sense of being powerfully affected, though still in a negative or calamitous way.

The Biblical Influence: Divine Impact

The influence of religious texts, particularly the Bible, played a significant role in shaping the perception of “smite” and, by extension, “smitten.” In many biblical narratives, God is depicted as “smiting” individuals or nations with plagues, judgments, or divine punishment. This reinforced the idea of a powerful, overwhelming force affecting someone. The “smitten rock” in the story of Moses, from which water miraculously flowed, is a prime example of this powerful, impactful, and often divinely ordained “smiting.” This added a layer of profound, often inescapable, influence to the word.

The Emergence of Emotional Impact: “Struck by Love”

The leap from physical striking or affliction to being “struck by love” or deep affection began to appear in the 17th century, specifically around the 1660s. This shift is not as abrupt as it might seem. The idea of love as a powerful, overwhelming force that “strikes” or “hits” a person is a common metaphor across many cultures and languages. Think of Cupid’s arrows or being “thunderstruck” by beauty. The existing meaning of “smitten” as being strongly affected or impacted provided a natural bridge for this new, romantic sense to develop. It suggests a sudden, profound, and often irresistible emotional blow that leaves one captivated.

Earliest Printed Record

The earliest known printed record of “smitten” dates back to before 1325, found in a work known as Genesis & Exodus. At this time, the word would have been used in its earlier sense, likely referring to being struck or afflicted. The romantic sense, as mentioned, appeared much later.

Imagined Theories: A Web of Connection

While linguistic evolution provides the primary explanation, one could imagine other, more fanciful theories contributing to the word’s romantic turn. Perhaps it originated from the way a lover, deeply absorbed, might seem “smitten” or “struck” by the sheer presence of their beloved, almost as if stunned. Or perhaps, in ancient courtship rituals, a suitor might have literally “smitten” a token of affection (like a flower or a small gift) into the hand of their intended, symbolizing a heartfelt connection. These are purely imaginative musings, of course, but they highlight the deep human tendency to connect physical actions with intense emotional states.

The journey of “smitten” from a word of violent impact to one of tender affection demonstrates the dynamic and often poetic nature of language. It reminds us that words, much like human emotions, can transform and acquire new meanings over time, always retaining a whisper of their original essence.

Feeling, Love

Last update: July 14, 2025 1:40 AM