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

He anointed Freddie Freeman as his favorite player even though “he’s ruined Brewers history many times.”

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Johnson had presumably been anointed by the man upstairs to be an American Moses — and to lead us to the Promised Land.

Read more on Salon

That image has endured through the TikTok era, as young fans anointed her as the ultimate “Coastal Grandmother.”

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Also helpful would have been more context to explain “It,” as the word has been used since the Jazz Age to anoint certain young women who have mysterious but undeniable charisma.

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

Read more on Salon

Related Words

• bless