What does anoint mean?
To anoint is to rub or smear a person or thing with oil, ointment, or another oily substance, most often as part of a solemn religious rite. Across Judaism, Christianity, and many other traditions, anointing signifies consecration, healing, or divine selection — kings were anointed at their coronation, priests at their ordination, and the sick as an act of blessing. The act lends its name to one of religion's most charged titles: the Messiah, meaning 'the anointed one.' Beyond the sacred sphere, anoint has taken on a vivid figurative life in everyday English, where journalists and commentators say a politician, athlete, or company has been 'anointed' when they are prematurely declared the inevitable winner or chosen successor. The word is transitive and formal in register, carrying connotations of sanctity, authority, and destiny. Its power lies in this double identity: a humble physical gesture — applying oil — elevated into a symbol of divine favor and public consecration.
verbTo smear or rub a person or thing with oil or an oily substance, typically as part of a religious or ceremonial rite; more broadly, to formally designate someone for an important role.
- To apply oil or ointment to a person or object, especially in a religious ceremony symbolizing blessing, consecration, or divine choice.
- (Figurative) To formally choose or designate someone for a high position or honor, as in 'the media anointed her the frontrunner.'
"The priest anointed the king with holy oil during the coronation ceremony."
"Samuel anointed David with oil, marking him as the future king of Israel."
"Before the season had even begun, commentators had already anointed the young player as the sport's next superstar."
Kings, priests, and even messiahs have all been marked the same way — with a dab of oil. The word 'anoint' literally means 'to smear,' yet it has crowned monarchs and launched religions.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of anoint
Anoint derives from the Latin 'ungere' (to smear with oil), via the Old French 'enoint', the past participle of 'enoindre'. The Latin root traces back further to the unguere/unguentum family of words connected with oils and salves, which also gives us 'ointment', 'unguent', 'unctuous', and 'unction'. The word entered Middle English through French and has carried its ceremonial sense since its earliest use in English, reinforced by its prominence in biblical translation.
Related word forms
How anoint is actually used
Anoint carries strong religious and ceremonial connotations and is most at home in formal, biblical, or liturgical contexts. In modern journalism it is often used figuratively — sometimes ironically — to describe premature endorsement of a candidate or favorite. It is always transitive: something (or someone) is anointed.
Easily confused with anoint
Anoint means to consecrate or designate someone, often ritually with oil, while appoint means to assign someone to a job or position by official decision.