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Smarting: meaning, definitions and examples

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smarting

 

[ ˈsmɑːr.tɪŋ ]

Verb
Context #1 | Verb

physical pain

Smarting refers to a sharp, stinging pain or discomfort that may be caused by injury or irritation. It is often used to describe the sensation that follows when a wound or a sensitive area is agitated. The term can also be associated with feelings of embarrassment or annoyance, as when someone feels a sharp pang of reproach or disappointment. The sensation of smarting can vary in intensity and may occur in various parts of the body, such as the eyes or skin.

Synonyms

burning, stinging, tingling

Examples of usage

  • My eyes are smarting from the bright light.
  • She felt a smarting pain after accidentally cutting her finger.
  • His comment left a smarting feeling that lingered for days.

Translations

Translations of the word "smarting" in other languages:

🇵🇹 ardendo

🇮🇳 दर्दनाक

🇩🇪 stechend

🇮🇩 perih

🇺🇦 печіння

🇵🇱 kłujący

🇯🇵 痛む

🇫🇷 piquant

🇪🇸 ardiente

🇹🇷 yanan

🇰🇷 따끔거리다

🇸🇦 حارق

🇨🇿 pálení

🇸🇰 pálenie

🇨🇳 刺痛

🇸🇮 pekoč

🇮🇸 sárandi

🇰🇿 ауру

🇬🇪 წვის

🇦🇿 yanan

🇲🇽 ardiente

Etymology

The word 'smarting' derives from Old English 'smeortan,' which means to sting or hurt. It has roots in the Proto-Germanic word '*smarþan,' which means to sting or smart. Over time, the concept of smarting has expanded beyond just physical sensations to encompass emotional pain, reflecting a broader range of human experience. The usage of 'smart' as a verb dates back several centuries and has been used in literature to describe both physical sensations and emotional responses. As language evolved, 'smarting' has maintained its association with a sharp, often acute sensation, whether that be in reference to bodily pain or the sting of embarrassment.

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #25,300, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.