smarting

adj, noun — 3 senses

adj

/ˈsmɑɹtɪŋ/

Etymology From Middle English smertyng, smertinge, from Old English smeortung, smertung (“smarting, itching”), equivalent to smart + -ing.

Painful, sore.

Figuratively Experiencing emotional pain or embarrassment.

noun

Etymology From Middle English smertyng, smertinge, from Old English smeortung, smertung (“smarting, itching”), equivalent to smart + -ing.

A sensation that smarts or stings.

Strong they are; for they trample upon our light, the penalties of laws divine and human; yea, and the smartings of our own conscience.1714, Thomas Halyburton, Natural Religion Insufficient, and Revealed Religion Necessary, to Man's Happiness in his Present State:

Entry derived from the Wiktionary, under licence CC BY-SA 4.0 — list of authors.