'anoint' originates from Old French, specifically the word 'enoint', where 'en-' meant 'in' and 'oint' meant 'anointed'.

'enoint' transformed into the Middle English word 'anointen', and eventually became the modern English word 'anoint'.

Initially, it meant 'to smear or rub with oil', but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'to consecrate or make sacred'.