The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 6 letter word SMITES
I've seen this crossword clue in The Daily Telegraph
S
M
I
T
E
S
Buddy explains!

The cryptic/wordplay part
In cryptic crossword there's often an wordplay/cryptic part as well.This part involves a more complex hint, such as an anagram, homophone, hidden word, etc.
Sadly, We don't have an explanation for this specific crossword clue yet.
What does SMITES mean?
SMITES verb- To hit, to strike.
- To strike down or kill with godly force.
- To injure with divine power.
- To put to rout in battle; to overthrow by war.
- To afflict; to chasten; to punish.
- (now only in passive) To strike with love or infatuation.