anoint
/əˈnɔɪnt/
Word Rarity
Very rare
Frequency: 2.48 in modern English
6
Scrabble Score
6
Letters
2
Syllables
5
Unique Chars
Meaning
verb
To smear or rub over with oil or an unctuous substance; also, to spread over, as oil.
Transitive verb
verb
To apply oil to or to pour oil upon, etc., as a sacred rite, especially for consecration.
Transitive verb
verb
To choose or nominate somebody for a leading or otherwise important position, especially formally or officially, or as an intended successor.
Transitive verb
verb
To mark somebody as an official ruler, especially a king or queen, as a part of a religious ceremony.
Transitive verb
Example Sentences
- "He anointed the eyes of the blind man with the clay."
- "And Fragrant Oils the ſtiffen'd Limbs anoint."
- "Then shalt thou take the anointing oil, and pour it upon his [Aaron's] head and anoint him."
- "Anoint Hazael to be king over Syria."
- "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."
Etymology
From Middle English enointen, anointen, borrowed from Old French enoint, past participle of enoindre (“to anoint”). Doublet of inunct.