self-anointing
|self-a-noint-ing|
/ˌsɛlfəˈnɔɪntɪŋ/
(self-anoint)
appointing or consecrating oneself
Etymology
'self-anointing' originates from modern English as a compound of 'self' and 'anointing', where 'self' meant 'oneself' and 'anointing' is the present participle of 'anoint' (to apply oil).
'anoint' developed in English via Old French 'anoindre'/'enoindre' from Latin roots related to 'unguere' (to smear with oil), while 'self' comes from Old English 'self'/'seolf'; the compound 'self-anointing' is a later English formation combining these elements into a noun/adjective.
Initially, 'anoint' referred specifically to the ritual act of applying oil for consecration; over time a figurative sense—'to confer authority or status'—emerged, and 'self-anointing' now commonly carries both literal (self-ritual) and figurative (self-appointment) meanings.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
the act or ritual of anointing oneself with oil (religious or ceremonial).
The monk's self-anointing before the rite was a quiet, private ceremony.
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Noun 2
figurative: the act of claiming, conferring, or assuming authority, status, or title on oneself (self-appointment or self-coronation).
The mayor's self-anointing as the city's sole spokesperson drew criticism from the council.
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Verb 1
to anoint oneself or to assume a role, title, or authority for oneself (often used in the progressive/gerund form 'self-anointing').
By self-anointing his successor, he bypassed the council's selection process.
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Adjective 1
describing someone or something that appoints or privileges itself; self-appointed or presumptively authoritative.
His self-anointing tone alienated many colleagues who expected a more collaborative approach.
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Last updated: 2025/11/09 02:07