smart
verb

(1) (of a wound or part of the body) feel or cause a sharp stinging pain (her legs were scratched and SMARTING) (his eyes were SMARTING from the smoke).

synonyms: sting, burn, tingle, prickle; hurt, ache
       
(2) feel upset and annoyed (staff are still SMARTING from the pay cuts)
       
synonyms:    feel annoyed, feel upset, feel offended, take offence, feel aggrieved, feel indignant, feel put out, feel hurt, feel wounded, feel resentful

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ORIGIN

The term "that smarts" meaning “that hurts" dates back over a thousand years.

Before 1050, Middle English smerten, Old English -smeortan (only in the compound fyrsmeortende: painful like fire), cognate with Old High German smerzan (German schmerzen); Middle English smerte, smart quick, prompt, sharp; late Old English smearte

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There are many other SMART forms floating around, here are a few more:
 
- the smarts (informal -North American)= intelligence; acumen ("I don't think I have the smarts for it")

- S.M.A.R.T (business acronym = goals should be Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-based)

- smarty pants (informal) = one who is obnoxiously self-assertive and arrogant, know-it-all, saucebox, smart aleck, smarty, wisenheimer, wise guy (Besserwisser, Schlauberger; Klugscheiße)

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After receiving harsh criticism, this response could provide a fast exit:

"I'm really sorry, but that feedback really SMARTS. Let's take a break, I need some time to think about it."