anoint

American  

[uh-noint] / əˈnɔɪnt /

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.”

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anoint British  

/ 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

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Other Word Forms

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

Etymology

Origin of anoint

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

Example Sentences

For years, football fans have loved her sass and the excitement she exudes as she shouts out her picks, grabbing the anointed team’s helmet and sometimes tossing the opponent’s.

From Los Angeles Times

He chose to favor biology over meritocracy and anointed Commodus as his heir when the boy was only 5 years old.

From The Wall Street Journal

Maduro was at his side the rest of the way: serving in congress, then as foreign minister and vice president before Chávez, stricken with cancer, anointed him successor in 2013.

From The Wall Street Journal

Still, what makes Bublé the new king of Christmas music, if such a title can be anointed?

From MarketWatch

Putin has since anointed him “special presidential envoy on economic and investment cooperation with foreign countries.”

From The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• bless