anoint
uh-NOYNT
/əˈnɔɪnt/
To smear or rub with oil or sacred ointment, typically as part of a religious ceremony or coronation.
Implies bestowing divine sanction, leadership, or sacred blessing upon someone.
The story behind the word. Traces through Old French enoindre back to Latin inunguere (in- 'upon' + unguere 'to smear'). The word 'unguent' (healing salve) shares this same root. Kings and priests in the ancient Near East were anointed with fragrant oil to symbolize divine authority.
Word relationships
- consecrate: Consecrate means to declare holy in general; anointing is a specific physical act using oil.
- bless: Bless is a general invocation of divine favor without requiring physical oil.
- dethrone: To remove someone from royal power or exalted status.
Commonly confused with
- ointment: Ointment is the substance used, whereas anoint is the action of applying it sacredly.
Word family
- anointed (adjective): Consecrated or chosen by divine or official favor.
- anointing (noun): The act or ritual of smearing with oil.
Collocations
- anoint with oil
- anoint a successor
- anointed king
- the Lord's anointed
Example sentences
- "During the coronation ceremony, the archbishop will anoint the new monarch with holy oil." History & Monarchies
- "The media was quick to anoint the young runner as the next Olympic champion." Figurative Usage
Memory hook
ANOINT = Apply OINTment on a new king's head. To touch with sacred oil.
When not to use
Do not use for applying everyday sunscreen, lotion, or cooking oil.
Fun facts
- The word 'Christ' comes from the Greek Christos, which translates the Hebrew Messiah—both literally mean 'the Anointed One'.
Related words
Also appears in
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