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View synonyms for anoint

anoint

[ uh-noint ]

verb (used with object)

  1. to rub or sprinkle on; apply an unguent, ointment, or oily liquid to.
  2. to smear with any liquid.
  3. to consecrate or make sacred in a ceremony that includes the token applying of oil:

    He anointed the new high priest.

  4. to dedicate to the service of God.
  5. 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.”



anoint

/ əˈnɔɪnt /

verb

  1. to smear or rub over with oil or an oily liquid
  2. to apply oil to as a sign of consecration or sanctification in a sacred rite


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Derived Forms

  • aˈnointment, noun
  • aˈnointer, noun

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Other Words From

  • a·noint·er noun
  • a·noint·ment noun
  • re·a·noint verb (used with object)
  • re·a·noint·ment noun

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Word History and Origins

Origin of anoint1

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

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Word History and Origins

Origin of anoint1

C14: from Old French enoint, from enoindre, from Latin inunguere, from in- ² + unguere to smear with oil

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Example Sentences

In a symbolic and literal crash, a nearby aquarium shatters, anointing the newfound lovers with water and fish and broken glass.

From Time

A few even anointed him “The Next One,” the most-likely successor to “The Great One” Wayne Gretzky, the NHL’s greatest player ever, before McDavid ever played his first game with the Edmonton Oilers.

His wife and Macgill were there with anointing oil and a prayer book, their voices still raspy as they helped him let go.

Within days after the election, we witnessed an orchestrated effort to anoint the winner, even while many key states were still being counted.

From Time

Outside of Orlando, where the University of Central Florida anointed itself the 2017 national champion, college football hasn’t built much momentum toward allowing a team that isn’t in a Power Five conference9 a chance to compete for a title.

Father Huber pulled the white sheet down so he could anoint the forehead of John Fitzgerald Kennedy.

Could it be that by giving him St. Peter in Chains Benedict meant to anoint him?

The Republicans tend to anoint the next in line, and this time there is no heir apparent.

We privately see ourselves as queenly beings who get to decide which of our subjects to anoint with a knighthood.

They were about to anoint Charlie Wilson as one of their own.

That drink wine in bowls, and anoint themselves with the best ointments: and they are not concerned for the affliction of Joseph.

I feel like asking our elder, Sister Smith, to come and anoint you with oil according to Jas.

If the hands be affected, anoint them on going to bed, and put on a pair of gloves.

Anoint the face with this, leave it on twenty or thirty minutes, or overnight if convenient, and wash off with warm water.

If you anoint a patient that has confluent smallpox you probably can not wipe away the oil, because the skin will be pustular.

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[in-vet-er-it ]

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