unction

American  

[uhngk-shuhn] / ˈʌŋk ʃən /

noun

1. an act of anointing, especially as a medical treatment or religious rite.

2. an unguent or ointment; salve.

3. something soothing or comforting.

4. an excessive, affected, sometimes cloying earnestness or fervor in manner, especially in speaking.

5. Religion.

   1. the oil used in religious rites, as in anointing the sick or dying.

   2. the shedding of a divine or spiritual influence upon a person.

   3. the influence shed.

   4. extreme unction.

6. the manifestation of spiritual or religious inspiration.

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unction British  

/ ˈʌŋkʃən /

noun

1. RC Church Eastern Churches the act of anointing with oil in sacramental ceremonies, in the conferring of holy orders

2. excessive suavity or affected charm

3. an ointment or unguent

4. anything soothing or comforting

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Other Word Forms

• unctionless
  adjective

Etymology

Origin of unction

1350–1400; Middle English unctioun < Latin ūnctiōn (stem of ūnctiō ) anointing, besmearing, equivalent to ūnct ( us ) (past participle of ung ( u ) ere to smear, anoint) + -iōn- -ion

Explanation

Unction is a specially-prepared substance meant to bless or heal — the use of special oils in a religious ceremony or the medicine you might put on your chest if you are congested. Unction refers to a religious leader placing special oils, usually on the forehead, of people during a ceremony of healing or blessing. Another meaning of unction describes people who are very pleased with their own good works, maybe even bragging about all the people they help at the homeless shelter or soup kitchen. This kind of unction is also called oily, almost like these smug people are oozing self-centeredness.

Example Sentences

During the period 2010-2015, the university spent £3.9m on Extreme Unction by the 17th Century Frenchman Nicolas Poussin.

From BBC • Dec. 2, 2015

"Extreme Unction also went on a UK-wide tour, allowing Cambridge to share the painting with the nation at large," he said.

From BBC • Dec. 2, 2015

Poussin's Extreme Unction, which the Fitzwilliam Museum is trying to raise £3.9m to buy.

From The Guardian • Aug. 13, 2012

Poussin regarded Extreme Unction – the ashen figure of a man on his deathbed being anointed with oil, the final sacrament for a Christian – as one of his greatest.

From The Guardian • Aug. 13, 2012

I know it’s Extreme Unction and that means I’m going to die and I don’t care.They wake me again to receive Communion.

From "Angela's Ashes: A Memoir" by Frank McCourt