anoint

English edit

Alternative forms edit

annoint (nonstandard)

Etymology edit

From Middle English enointen, anointen, borrowed from Old French enoint, past participle of enoindre (“to anoint”). Doublet of inunct.

Pronunciation edit

IPA^(key): /əˈnɔɪnt/
- Audio (Southern England) (file)
Rhymes: -ɔɪnt

Verb edit

anoint (third-person singular simple present anoints, present participle anointing, simple past and past participle anointed)

(transitive) To smear or rub over with oil or an unctuous substance; also, to spread over, as oil.
Synonyms: salve, pomade, pomate, pomatum (obsolete or historical)
- 1611, The Holy Bible, […] (King James Version), London: […] Robert Barker, […], →OCLC, John 9:6:
  He anointed the eyes of the blind man with the clay.
- 1697, Virgil, “The Sixth Book of the Æneis”, in John Dryden, transl., The Works of Virgil: Containing His Pastorals, Georgics, and Æneis. […], London: […] Jacob Tonson, […], →OCLC, page 371, line 315:
  And Fragrant Oils the ſtiffen'd Limbs anoint.
(transitive) To apply oil to or to pour oil upon, etc., as a sacred rite, especially for consecration.
Synonym: salve
- 1611, The Holy Bible, […] (King James Version), London: […] Robert Barker, […], →OCLC, Exodus 29:7:
  Then shalt thou take the anointing oil, and pour it upon his [Aaron's] head and anoint him.
- 1611, The Holy Bible, […] (King James Version), London: […] Robert Barker, […], →OCLC, 1 Kings 19:15:
  Anoint Hazael to be king over Syria.
(transitive, figuratively) To choose or nominate somebody for a leading or otherwise important position, especially formally or officially, or as an intended successor.
- 2024 March 16, Antonia Cundy, “The Opus Dei diaries”, in FT Weekend, page 18:
  Unlike other previous Prelates, who were swiftly anointed bishops, Francis did not follow suit. Ocáriz remained a Monsignor. In the eyes of many observers, it was a demotion of Opus Dei.
(transitive, historical) To mark somebody as an official ruler, especially a king or queen, as a part of a religious ceremony.