What does anointment mean?
Anointment is the act of applying oil, ointment, or another unctuous substance to a person, most often as part of a religious or ceremonial rite. Its most familiar setting is sacred tradition: kings, priests, and prophets have been anointed across Judaism, Christianity, and other faiths to mark them as chosen, consecrated, or divinely authorized, and the practice survives today in ceremonies such as British coronations and Christian sacraments involving holy oil called chrism. Beyond religion, anointment has taken on a figurative life in politics and popular culture, where journalists may speak of the 'anointment' of a favored candidate or heir — often with a hint of irony about premature endorsement. The word derives from 'anoint', which traces through Old French 'enoindre' to the Latin 'inungere', meaning to smear on. Closely related terms include 'unction' and 'unguent'. Rich in historical resonance, anointment conveys solemnity, selection, and sanctity wherever it appears.
nounThe act or ceremony of applying oil, ointment, or another unctuous substance to a person, typically as part of a religious rite marking consecration, healing, or investiture.
- The ritual act of applying oil or ointment to a person as part of a religious ceremony of consecration, ordination, or investiture.
- More broadly, the formal or symbolic designation of someone for a role or honor, often used figuratively (e.g., 'the media's anointment of a political successor').
"The coronation reached its climax with the archbishop's solemn anointment of the new king."
"According to tradition, the prophet Samuel performed the anointment of David as king of Israel."
"Pundits criticized what they saw as the party's premature anointment of its next presidential nominee."
The plural is rare and typically appears only when referring to multiple distinct ceremonial acts, such as those recorded across different traditions or historical events.
"The archive documents the anointments of every monarch since the twelfth century."
The word 'Messiah' literally means 'the anointed one' — so every mention of anointment echoes back to one of history's most loaded titles.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of anointment
Anointment derives from the verb 'anoint', which entered Middle English via Old French 'enoindre', ultimately from the Latin 'inungere', meaning to smear or rub on. The noun form arose in English by the late medieval period as a term for the ceremonial act itself. It shares deep roots with related words such as 'unction' and 'unguent', both also descended from Latin unguere/inungere, and it resonates with the Hebrew concept behind 'Messiah', meaning 'anointed one'.
Related word forms
How anointment is actually used
Anointment carries a formal, ceremonial register in its literal sense, appearing chiefly in religious, historical, and monarchical contexts. In modern journalism and political commentary it is frequently used figuratively and sometimes ironically, to suggest that someone has been designated for success without having earned it yet. The figurative use can carry a faintly negative connotation of presumption or premature endorsement.
Easily confused with anointment
Ointment is a medicinal or cosmetic salve applied to the skin, while anointment refers to the ceremonial act of applying oil to a person for religious or symbolic purposes.
Appointment means arranging a meeting or assigning someone to a position, whereas anointment specifically denotes ritual application of oil; the two share similar sounds but entirely different meanings.