Smarting

Smarting refers to the sensation of a sharp, acute pain or stinging, often associated with an injury or irritation, but it can also describe emotional distress or discomfort from a painful experience. The term is often used to convey a feeling of hurt or regret following something unpleasant or distressing. In both physical and emotional contexts, smarting can imply a sense of lingering discomfort that impacts one's state of mind or body.

Smarting meaning with examples

• After falling off his bike, Jake felt a smarting pain in his knee that made him wince. The sting was sharp, reminding him of how important it was to wear protective gear. As he sat on the ground, he examined the scrape, which was slowly beginning to swell. Jake couldn't help but think about how easily it could've been avoided with a little more caution, and he vowed to be more careful in the future.
• She felt a sharp smarting sensation in her heart as she read the rejection letter from her dream college. After pouring her energy into her application for months, the disappointment hit her like a wave. Each word in the letter seemed to echo her fears, leaving her feeling dejected. Her friends rallied around her, but the moment left an undeniable sting that would take her time to heal from, reminding her of life's unpredictable nature.
• The child was smarting after being scolded by her teacher for talking during class. As the reprimand echoed in her ears, she felt a mixture of embarrassment and resentment. In that moment, the sting of shame weighed heavily on her conscience, overshadowing the fun she had just moments before. She sat quietly, reflecting on her actions and wondering if her peers viewed her differently now, the smarting sensation a reminder of the importance of good behavior.
• Following the argument with her best friend, Maria felt a deep smarting sensation within her. The harsh words exchanged lingered in her mind, weighing down her spirits. It was as if each word had left a mark, intensifying her feelings of sadness and regret. Despite her desire to mend their friendship, the smarting pain from their confrontation made it difficult to reach out, leaving her in a state of emotional turmoil she couldn't easily escape.