intransitive verb

1. 1. to cause sharp, stinging pain, as a slap
   2. to be the source of such pain, as a wound
   3. to feel such pain
2. to feel mental distress or irritation, as in resentment, remorse, etc.

Etymology: ME smerten < OE smeortan, akin to Ger schmerzen < IE *mer-d < base *mer-, to rub away, fret > L mordere, to bite, sting, Gr smerdnos, frightful

transitive verb

noun

1. a smarting sensation, pain or distress
2. ☆ Slang shrewdness, intelligence, or acumen

Etymology: ME smerte < base of v.

adjective

1. causing sharp or stinging pain a smart slap
2. sharp or stinging, as pain
3. brisk; vigorous; lively walking at a smart pace
4. 1. intelligent, alert, clever, witty, etc.
   2. shrewd or sharp, as in one's dealings
5. neat; trim; spruce
6. 1. in keeping with the current fashion; stylish
   2. characteristic of or used by those who follow the current fashions
7. Informal impertinent, flippant, or saucy
8. Dialectal quite strong, intense, numerous, etc.; considerable a right smart rain
9. Comput.
   1. intelligent (sense )
   2. aimed, guided, and controlled precisely, through the use of computer technology smart weapons
   3. programmed in advance with certain features, as navigation information or sensing and self-correcting functions smart cars, smart guns

Etymology: ME smerte < OE smeart < base of v.

adverb