anoint
Americanverb (used with object)
-
to rub or sprinkle on; apply an unguent, ointment, or oily liquid to.
-
to smear with any liquid.
-
to consecrate or make sacred in a ceremony that includes the token applying of oil.
He anointed the new high priest.
-
to dedicate to the service of God.
-
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.”
verb
-
to smear or rub over with oil or an oily liquid
-
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
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
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
In December, he anointed Flavio -- a Rio de Janeiro senator -- as his political heir.
From Barron's
“Founders and investors have the ability to weaponize a startup’s balance sheet and make these huge investments at huge valuations to try to anoint a winner and suck all the air out of the room.”
Many in my and my parents’ generations are wary of anointed leaders.
The international lists anointed Greece and Boquete, Panama, a small community with a large expat population.
From MarketWatch
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
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
