smite

(smīt)

v. smote (smōt), smit•ten (smĭt′n) or smote, smit•ing, smites

v.tr.

1.

a. To inflict a heavy blow on, with or as if with the hand, a tool, or a weapon.

b. To drive or strike (a weapon, for example) forcefully onto or into something else.

2. To attack, damage, or destroy by or as if by blows.

3.

a. To afflict: The population was smitten by the plague.

b. To afflict retributively; chasten or chastise.

4. To affect sharply with great feeling: He was smitten by deep remorse.

v.intr.

To deal a blow with or as if with the hand or a handheld weapon.

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[Middle English smiten, from Old English smītan, to smear.]

This word fits Howard’s atmospheric brand of action and is used extensively and to good effect and may be said to be a trademark of his.