anoint

verb

ə-ˈnȯint 

anointed; anointing; anoints

transitive verb

1

: to smear or rub with oil or an oily substance

2

a

: 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 noun

anointment

ə-ˈnȯint-mənt 

noun

Synonyms

• bedaub
• besmear
• daub
• smear

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 on the Web

Not long ago Taylor was in similar shoes, a second-year head coach in 2020 when the Bengals drafted Joe Burrow with the No. 1 pick and immediately anointed him their starter. —Dan Wiederer, Chicago Tribune, 6 Sep. 2024

Elsa, voiced by Menzel, is anointed queen, but her dangerous icy powers pose major challenges. —Pamela McClintock, The Hollywood Reporter, 13 Aug. 2024

World & Nation Europe turns from Trump-proofing to hope as Kamala Harris is anointed Democratic candidate Aug. 21, 2024 The 39-member Cabinet includes primarily ministers from Macron’s centrist alliance and the conservative Republicans. —Thomas Adamson, Los Angeles Times, 21 Sep. 2024

Since Harris was anointed the Democratic Party nominee, Trump has been trying to bait her with insults and calumny. —Laura Washington, Chicago Tribune, 2 Sep. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Anglo-French enoint, past participle of enoindre, from Latin inunguere, from in- + unguere to smear — more at ointment

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

anoint

verb

ə-ˈnȯint 

1

: to rub over with oil or an oily substance

2

: to put oil on as part of a religious ceremony

anointer noun

anointment

-mənt 

noun