smarting n. + Add to list US //ˈsmɑɹtɪŋ// UK //smˈɑːtɪŋ// smart·ing SynonymsEtymology Synonyms achehurtsmartsmartnessOriginOEsmeortung→MEsmertyng→ENsmarting From Middle English smertyng, smertinge, from Old English smeortung, smertung (“smarting, itching”), equivalent to smart + -ing.