anointing
anointing Lexical Profile
anointing Game Scores & Validity
• noun
The ceremonial or religious act of applying sacred oil or ointment to a person or object as a sign of consecration, healing, or divine blessing.
"The ancient coronation ritual culminated in the solemn anointing of the new monarch by the archbishop."
The official selection, designation, or endorsement of a person for a prominent position or succession.
"The board's early anointing of the vice president as the next chief executive surprised several industry analysts."
• verb
To smear or rub with oil or an oily substance, typically as part of a religious, healing, or consecratory ceremony (present participle of anoint).
"The priest stood before the congregation, anointing the forehead of each catechumen with blessed oil."
To nominate, choose, or designate officially as a successor or leading candidate (present participle of anoint).
"Critics accused the party leadership of anointing a successor months before the primary election even began."
• Rhymes for anointing
• Nearby Words
Word Origin & Etymology
Derived from the verb 'anoint', which entered Middle English via Old French 'enoint', the past participle of 'enoindre', from Latin 'inungere' ('to smear on'), combining 'in-' ('upon') and 'ungere' ('to smear or rub with ointment').