anoint
verb
\ ə-ˈnȯint
\
\
anointed;
anointing;
anoints
Definition of anoint
1
: to smear or rub with oil or an oily substance
2a
: to apply oil to as part of a religious ceremony
The priest anointed the sick.
b
: to choose by or as if by divine election
anoint him as his successor
also
: to designate as if by a ritual anointment
Critics have anointed her as an important new literary figure.
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Other Words from anoint
anointer
noun
anointment
\ -mənt
\
noun
\
noun
Examples of anoint in a Sentence
The magazine anointed her the most popular actress of the year.
anoint the wound with antiseptic to prevent infection
Recent Examples on the Web
Among his many identities—devoted son, babysitter, Polynesian prince, recently anointed No. — Michael Mcknight, SI.com, "Much Ado About JuJu," 4 Sep. 2019 The former five-star prospect and Auburn football legacy was anointed the team’s starting quarterback last week, becoming the first true freshman quarterback to start a season opener for the Tigers in 73 years. — Tom Green | [email protected], al, "Tiger Buzz: Breaking down Auburn-Oregon," 31 Aug. 2019 No other quarterback has this early in his career been anointed an NFL franchise quarterback. — Paul Myerberg, USA TODAY, "Now the face of college football, Clemson's Trevor Lawrence getting used to spotlight," 26 Aug. 2019 Nolen Harris, 6-0, 175, Jr. Special teams • Redshirt freshman Matt Araiza was anointed starting kicker the moment John Baron II exhausted his eligibility, although the Aztecs needed to identify a backup at the position. — San Diego Union-Tribune, "Aztecs two-deep football roster takes shape with 2019 opener a week away," 22 Aug. 2019 He has been anointed a rising star in the House of Representatives, where he has been mentored by House Speaker Nancy Pelosi. — Alana Abramson, Time, "Eric Swalwell Drops Out of the 2020 Presidential Race," 8 July 2019 As her heir, Graham anointed Ron Protas, a man more than forty years younger than she, who’d become her boon companion in her later life. — Joan Acocella, The New Yorker, "Can Modern Dance Be Preserved?," 24 June 2019 Photo: Vincent Yu/Associated Press Beijing had anointed Mrs. Lam, 62, to build bridges with the public, after her unpopular predecessor was tarnished by his role in quashing the 2014 protests. — Natasha Khan, WSJ, "Hong Kong Upheaval Puts Beijing in a Bind," 16 June 2019 On defense, which cornerback will be anointed the third option on the outside behind starters Kyle Fuller and Prince Amukamara? — Brad Biggs, chicagotribune.com, "The Bears feel good about their roster depth. But competition looms at swing tackle and cornerback.," 15 June 2019These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'anoint.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
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More Definitions for anoint
anoint
verb
English Language Learners Definition of anoint
: to put oil on (someone) as part of a religious ceremony
: to officially or formally choose (someone) to do or to be something
See the full definition for anoint in the English Language Learners Dictionary
anoint
verb
\ ə-ˈnȯint
\
\
anointed;
anointing
Kids Definition of anoint
1
: to rub or cover with oil or grease
2
: to put oil on as part of a religious ceremony
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