anoint
UK: əˈnɔɪnt | US: əˈnɔɪnt
vt. to rub or smear with oil or an oily substance, especially as part of a religious ceremony
vt. to choose or consecrate someone for a special purpose, often ceremonially
vt. (archaic) to apply ointment or oil for medicinal purposes
The word "anoint" traces back to the Latin inungere (to smear with oil), combining in- (ad, "to") and ungere ("to anoint/oil"). It entered Old French as enoindre, then Middle English as anointen. The prefix a- (from Latin ad-) implies direction ("to"), while noint preserves the core idea of oil application, reflecting its ceremonial and medicinal roots. The word’s evolution mirrors its enduring association with sacred rituals (e.g., anointing kings) and healing practices.
The priest will anoint the baby’s forehead during the baptism.
Ancient kings were anointed with sacred oils to symbolize divine approval.
She anointed the wound with a herbal balm to speed healing.
The prophet anointed him as the next leader of the tribe.
In some traditions, athletes anoint themselves with oil before competitions.