Definition of anoint
transitive verb
1 : to smear or rub with oil or an oily substance
2a : to apply oil to as part of a religious ceremony The priest anointed the sick.b : to choose by or as if by divine election anoint him as his successor; also : to designate as if by a ritual anointment Critics have anointed her as an important new literary figure.
anointer
nounExplore Merriam-Webster
Examples of anoint in a Sentence
The magazine anointed her the most popular actress of the year.
anoint the wound with antiseptic to prevent infection
Recent Examples of anoint from the Web
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During the sacramental rite, a priest anointed them with oil and invoked the Holy Spirit.
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The Penguins continue to anoint new heroes, explore different paths to success.
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As of 8 March that was no longer possible, so the Denver Post surveyed ex-players, managers, and sportswriters to anoint a successor.
These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'anoint'. Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Origin and Etymology of anoint
Middle English, from Anglo-French enoint, past participle of enoindre, from Latin inunguere, from in- + unguere to smear — more at ointment
ANOINT Defined for English Language Learners
anoint
playDefinition of anoint for English Language Learners
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: to put oil on (someone) as part of a religious ceremony
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: to officially or formally choose (someone) to do or to be something
ANOINT Defined for Kids
anoint
playDefinition of anoint for Students
anointed
;anointing
1 : to rub or cover with oil or grease
2 : to put oil on as part of a religious ceremony
Learn More about anoint
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See words that rhyme with anoint Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for anoint Spanish Central: Translation of anoint Nglish: Translation of anoint for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of anoint for Arabic speakers
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