appoint
UK: əˈpɔɪnt | US: əˈpɔɪnt
vt. to assign a job or role to someone formally
vt. to arrange or decide on a time or place
vt. (archaic) to fix or set with authority
The word "appoint" originates from Old French apointer, meaning "to arrange" or "to settle," derived from Latin ad- (to, toward) + punctum (a point, from pungere, "to prick or fix"). The morpheme "point" reflects the idea of directing or fixing something precisely, while "ap-" (from Latin ad-) emphasizes the action of moving toward a decision. Over time, the term evolved to signify formal assignment or arrangement, retaining its core logic of authoritative fixing or directing.
The board will appoint a new CEO next month.
They appointed a committee to oversee the project.
Let’s appoint a time for our next meeting.
The king appointed his trusted advisor as chancellor.
The law appoints strict penalties for violations.