anoint

[ uh-noint ]
See synonyms for: anointanointedanointing on Thesaurus.com

verb (used with object)
  1. to rub or sprinkle on; apply an unguent, ointment, or oily liquid to.

  2. to smear with any liquid.

  1. to consecrate or make sacred in a ceremony that includes the token applying of oil: He anointed the new high priest.

  2. to dedicate to the service of God.

  3. 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.”

Origin of anoint

1
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

Other words from anoint

  • a·noint·er, noun
  • a·noint·ment, noun
  • re·a·noint, verb (used with object)
  • re·a·noint·ment, noun

Words Nearby anoint

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2024

How to use anoint in a sentence

British Dictionary definitions for anoint

anoint

/ (əˈnɔɪnt) /


verb(tr)
  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

Origin of anoint

1
C14: from Old French enoint, from enoindre, from Latin inunguere, from in- ² + unguere to smear with oil

Derived forms of anoint

  • anointer, noun
  • anointment, noun

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012