What does anointed mean?
Anointed describes someone on whom oil has been ritually applied as part of a religious ceremony of consecration — a practice central to the crowning of kings, the ordination of priests, and the commissioning of prophets throughout the history of Judaism and Christianity. In the Hebrew Bible, anointing with oil signified that a person had been set apart by God for a sacred purpose, which is why the term "Messiah" literally means "the anointed one." Beyond its ritual meaning, anointed is widely used figuratively to describe anyone formally chosen or elevated to a position of leadership or honor, as in "the company's newly anointed CEO." In this extended sense it often implies that the choice seemed inevitable or divinely favored, sometimes with a hint of irony. The word derives from the Latin "inungere," meaning to smear on, via Old French "enoindre." Whether applied to monarchs, clergy, or executives, anointed conveys solemnity, selection, and a sense of destiny.
Having been ritually anointed with oil, especially as part of a ceremony consecrating someone to a sacred office; by extension, chosen or designated for a particular role.
"The anointed priest stood before the altar in his ceremonial robes."
In religious contexts the adjective retains strong connotations of holiness and divine appointment; in secular usage it often signals official selection.
(usually "the anointed") A person who has been anointed, especially one chosen or consecrated for a sacred office or honored position.
"The prophecy foretold that the anointed would deliver the people from oppression."
Almost always used with the definite article and in reference to a specific individual or group regarded as chosen.
Every crowned king of England since the 8th century has been anointed with the same sacred oil — and in 2023, King Charles III became the first monarch to use a coronation oil containing olive oil from the Mount of Olives.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of anointed
Anointed comes from the verb "anoint," which entered Middle English through Old French "enoindre" from the Latin "inungere," meaning "to smear on" or "to apply ointment." The Latin root is related to "ungere," the source of English words such as "unction," "unguent," and "unctuous." Anointing with oil as a mark of divine favor and consecration was practiced in ancient Israel and adopted widely in Christian liturgy, giving the word its enduring religious weight. Its use as a standalone adjective and noun developed naturally from the past participle form of the verb.
Related word forms
How anointed is actually used
The literal religious sense carries strong biblical resonance and appears most often in scripture, liturgy, and discussions of monarchy. The figurative sense is common in journalism and everyday speech, where "the anointed" can carry a slightly ironic tone when suggesting someone's elevation was preordained rather than earned. The plural noun form "the anointed" refers collectively to people who have received this designation.
Easily confused with anointed
"Anoint" is the verb describing the act of applying oil or choosing someone, while "anointed" is its past participle used adjectivally or as a noun for the person who has been anointed.