anoint Definition
- 1smear or rub with oil, typically as part of a religious ceremony.
- 2nominate or choose (someone) as successor to or leading candidate for a position.
Using anoint: Examples
Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "anoint" can be used in various situations through the following examples!
Example
The priest anointed the sick man with oil.
Example
The new king was anointed in a lavish ceremony.
Example
She was anointed as the company's new CEO.
anoint Synonyms and Antonyms
Phrases with anoint
a person who is believed to have been chosen by God for a special purpose, especially a king or messiah
Example
The prophet Samuel anointed David as the future king of Israel.
Example
He anointed himself as the leader of the group without consulting anyone else.
Example
The team's coach anointed them with success before the big game.
Origins of anoint
from Old French 'enoint', past participle of 'enoindre', from Latin 'inungere', meaning 'smear on'
Summary: anoint in Brief
To 'anoint' [əˈnɔɪnt] means to smear or rub with oil, often as part of a religious ceremony. It can also mean to nominate or choose someone for a position. Examples include 'The priest anointed the sick man with oil' and 'She was anointed as the company's new CEO.' Phrases like 'anointed one' and 'anoint oneself' denote a chosen person or self-declared leader, respectively.