anoint

[ uh-noint ]
/ əˈnɔɪnt /

verb (used with object)

to rub or sprinkle on; apply an unguent, ointment, or oily liquid to.
to smear with any liquid.
to consecrate or make sacred in a ceremony that includes the token applying of oil: He anointed the new high priest.
to dedicate to the service of God.

Origin of anoint

1300–50; Middle English anoynten, derivative of anoynt, enoynt (past participle) < Old French enoint < Latin inūnctus anointed (past participle of inungere), equivalent to in- in-2 + ung- smear with oil + -tus past participle suffix

OTHER WORDS FROM anoint

Example sentences from the Web for anointed

British Dictionary definitions for anointed

anoint
/ (əˈnɔɪnt) /

verb (tr)

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

Derived forms of anoint

anointer, noun anointment, noun

Word Origin for anoint

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