# anoint

> English word · Verb · IPA /əˈnɔɪnt/ · frequency rank #54,009

## Definitions
1. To smear or rub over with oil or an unctuous substance; also, to spread over, as oil.
2. To apply oil to or to pour oil upon, etc., as a sacred rite, especially for consecration.
3. To choose or nominate somebody for a leading or otherwise important position, especially formally or officially, or as an intended successor.
4. To mark somebody as an official ruler, especially a king or queen, as a part of a religious ceremony.

## Etymology
From Middle English enointen, anointen, borrowed from Old French enoint, past participle of enoindre (“to anoint”). Doublet of inunct.

## Source
Compiled from Wiktionary via kaikki.org (CC BY-SA). Data vintage: 2026-05-06.
Canonical page: https://plainspell.com/en/word/anoint