What does inunction mean?
Inunction is the formal noun for the act of anointing someone, usually by applying oil or another sacred substance. Its best-known historical use concerns the ceremonial anointing of a monarch during a coronation, a rite intended to proclaim or reinforce the ruler's religious and political authority. The word can also describe more general ritual applications of oil, particularly in a religious setting. Inunction belongs largely to historical, theological, and literary language rather than ordinary modern conversation, where “anointing” or “anointment” is more usual. Its vocabulary is closely associated with sacred oils, royal consecration, and the imagery of inherited authority. Although relatively uncommon today, the term is useful for understanding the symbolism of coronation rites and the language of Christian ordination, where blessing and consecration may involve the ritual use of oil.
nounThe act of anointing, especially the ceremonial anointing of a monarch as part of a coronation. More broadly, it refers to the ritual application of oil or another sacred substance.
- The ceremonial anointing of a monarch during a coronation.
- Any formal or religious act of applying oil or another consecrated substance.
"The crown's ancient symbolism included the solemn inunction of the new sovereign."
"The ancient rite of inunction affirmed the monarch's religious authority."
"The ceremony was marked by the inunction of the temple's sacred vessels."
The plural is grammatical but rarely needed because the word itself is uncommon.
"The chronicle recorded the inunctions of successive rulers."
At many coronations, the sovereign is anointed with oil—a royal ritual that preserves the old idea of divine or sacred authority.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does inunction come from?
Inunction comes from Latin inunctionem, a noun formed from inungere, “to anoint.” That verb combines the prefix in- with unguere, “to smear or anoint,” and inunctionem developed in ecclesiastical and legal Latin. The same Latin root underlies related English words including unction, unctuous, and unguent, while anoint is a Germanic cognate of the same ancient root.
How inunction is actually used
This is a rare, formal word found chiefly in historical, religious, and literary contexts. In modern general usage, “anointing” is normally more natural.
Easily confused with inunction
An inunction is the act of anointing, whereas unction can refer both to that act and to the oil or ointment used for it.