anoint

[uh-noint]

verb (used with object)

1. to rub or sprinkle on; apply an unguent, ointment, or oily liquid to.

2. to smear with any liquid.

3. to consecrate or make sacred in a ceremony that includes the token applying of oil.

   He anointed the new high priest.

4. to dedicate to the service of God.

5. to select for an honor, a particular role or office, etc..

   After today’s interview, it looks like he will soon be anointed as head of the new Special Projects division.

   The headline read, “Dictionary.com anoints ‘allyship’ Word of the Year for 2021.”

anoint

/ əˈnɔɪnt /

verb

1. to smear or rub over with oil or an oily liquid

2. to apply oil to as a sign of consecration or sanctification in a sacred rite

Other Word Forms

• anointer noun
• anointment noun
• reanoint verb (used with object)
• reanointment noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of anoint¹

First recorded in 1300–50; Middle English anoynten, derivative of anoynt, enoynt (past participle), from Old French enoint, from Latin inūnctus “anointed” (past participle of inungere ), equivalent to in- in- ² + ung- “smear with oil” + -tus past participle suffix

Word History and Origins

Origin of anoint¹

C14: from Old French enoint, from enoindre, from Latin inunguere, from _in- ² + unguere to smear with oil

Example Sentences

Or, as some believe the Labour rulebook permits, could the cabinet designate an interim deputy leader from among their number who would, in time, be anointed permanently?

From BBC

Even as some appear ready to anoint her, others are ready for a generational change.

From Los Angeles Times

He is Riley’s personal project, having been anointed the starter without offseason competition from the portal.

From Los Angeles Times

Can’t we just enjoy all their greatness as part of Dodgers history without anointing one greater than another?

From Los Angeles Times

Only after a cataclysmically bad debate performance, which revealed his infirmities for all to see, did Biden grudgingly stand aside in favor of his anointed successor, Vice President Kamala Harris.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• bless