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

Derived Forms

• aˈnointer, noun
• aˈnointment, noun

Other Words From

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

Last year, on the Christian show FlashPoint, TV evangelist Hank Kunneman described “a battle between good and evil”, adding: “There's something on President Trump that the enemy fears: it's called the anointing.”

From BBC

Regardless, Newsom inevitably will be pushed into the presidential arena by the news media, which already has anointed him as a leading contender.

From Los Angeles Times

After Biden dropped out of the race following a disastrous debate performance, Harris was anointed to the top of the ticket, bypassing the scrutiny of a primary without a single vote being cast.

From BBC

Nearly four months after the Conservatives went down to their worst defeat in a general election in their history, they are about to anoint a new leader.

From BBC

It was during that 2010 stint on “The X Factor” that Cowell anointed him a member of One Direction, which would go on to become one of the most successful pop groups of the decade.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• bless