appoint

[ uh-point ]

verb (used with object)

1. to name or assign to a position, an office, or the like; designate:

   to appoint a new treasurer; to appoint a judge to the bench.

   Synonyms: select, choose

   Antonyms: discharge, dismiss

2. to determine by authority or agreement; fix; set:

   to appoint a time for the meeting.

   Synonyms: establish, prescribe

3. Law. to designate (a person) to take the benefit of an estate created by a deed or will.
4. to provide with what is necessary; equip; furnish:

   They appointed the house with all the latest devices.

5. Archaic. to order or establish by decree or command; ordain; constitute:

   laws appointed by God.

6. Obsolete. to point at by way of censure.

verb (used without object)

1. Obsolete. to ordain; resolve; determine.

appoint

/ əˈpɔɪnt /

verb

1. also intr to assign officially, as for a position, responsibility, etc

   he was appointed manager

2. to establish by agreement or decree; fix

   a time was appointed for the duel

3. to prescribe or ordain

   laws appointed by tribunal

4. property law to nominate (a person), under a power granted in a deed or will, to take an interest in property
5. to equip with necessary or usual features; furnish

   a well-appointed hotel

Derived Forms

• apˈpointer, noun

Other Words From

• ap·pointa·ble adjective
• ap·pointer noun
• misap·point verb (used with object)
• reap·point verb (used with object)
• unap·pointa·ble adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of appoint¹

1325–75; Middle English apointen, from Middle French apointer, equivalent to a- a- ⁵ + pointer “to point ”

Word History and Origins

Origin of appoint¹

C14: from Old French apointer to put into a good state, from a point in good condition, literally: to a point

Synonym Study

See furnish.

Example Sentences

It seems clear that the only way these people will not be appointed is if Trump changes his mind and withdraws the nomination.

From Salon

He added that the "notice of intent" is to appoint accountancy firm EY to handle the process.

From BBC

Trump started building his top team almost immediately, nominating cabinet picks for Senate approval and appointing White House advisers and other senior aides.

From BBC

He added that Trump probably appointed Gaetz to reward him for his loyalty.

From Salon

Robert Gates, who was appointed by President George W Bush and Obama, worked for the CIA for 27 years.

From BBC

Related Words

• assign
• choose
• designate
• elect
• establish
• install
• name
• nominate
• select
• set