Suddenly and intensely infatuated or in love, feeling as if struck by powerful romantic feelings. This involves overwhelming attraction and preoccupation with someone.
Past participle of 'smite,' from Old English 'smitan' meaning 'to strike or hit.' The metaphor suggests being struck down or overwhelmed by sudden, powerful feelings of love or attraction.
Being smitten activates the brain's reward system so intensely that it resembles addiction—dopamine floods the system while areas responsible for critical judgment show decreased activity. This neurochemical cocktail explains why smitten people often make impulsive decisions and see their object of affection as perfect.
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