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

So far, little has stopped his quest for possessing the unfettered power of an anointed king.

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Spawning not one but two soundtrack releases, the film had the air of a cultural phenomenon about it and anointed Anderson as a generational talent, earning him his first Academy Award nomination for the screenplay.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

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?

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

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

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Related Words

• bless