anointment
|a-noint-ment|
/əˈnɔɪntmənt/
consecrate or appoint by applying oil
Etymology
'anointment' originates from Old French, specifically the word 'anoindre', where the prefix 'a-' (from Old French/Latin en-/ad-) meant 'on/in' and the root 'noindre' is from Latin 'unguere' (also seen as 'ungere') meaning 'to anoint' or 'to smear with oil'.
'anointment' changed from Middle English forms such as 'anoitement' (from Anglo-Norman and Old French 'anoindre') and eventually became the modern English word 'anointment'.
Initially, it meant 'to smear or rub with oil,' especially for medicinal or practical purposes; over time it evolved to emphasize the ceremonial and consecratory sense of 'formal blessing or appointment by applying oil.'
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
the act or ceremony of applying oil (or a similar substance) to a person or object, especially as a religious rite of consecration or blessing.
The bishop performed the anointment of the new priest.
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Noun 2
figurative use: the act of officially designating or conferring authority on someone (often implying divine approval or special sanction).
Her anointment as CEO signaled a new direction for the company.
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Last updated: 2025/08/17 17:52