Smittenness
/ˈsmɪtənnəs/noun
The state of being deeply infatuated or strongly affected by someone or something.
Did you know?The romantic sense of “smitten” developed from the older idea of being emotionally “struck,” linking infatuation with the ancient metaphor of an irresistible blow.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European (proposed)
PIE
*smei-
“To smear, rub, or strike; this proposed root is associated with Germanic forms related to smiting.”
Proto-Germanic
PGmc
*smītaną
“To strike, hit, or smear.”
Old English
Old English
smītan
“To strike, hit, or attack.”
Middle English
Middle English
smiten
“To strike or afflict; later, to affect emotionally.”
16th Century
English
smitten
“Struck or affected, including being overcome by love.”
Modern English
English
smittenness
“The condition or quality of being smitten; deep infatuation.”