anoint means to smear or rub over with oil or an unctuous substance; also, to spread over, as oil. Lexicurio rates it Rare gem — a strength score of 77 out of 100.
anoint is pronounced /əˈnɔɪnt/.
Why “anoint” is a great word
ANOINT — [Verb] To apply oil or ointment to, especially in a religious ceremony for consecration, or to formally choose someone for a high office. From Middle English enointen, anointen, borrowed from Old French enoint, past participle of enoindre (“to anoint”), from Latin inunguere (“to anoint”), from in- (“on”) + unguere (“to smear, anoint”). Doublet of inunct. Unlike “consecrate,” which emphasizes the broader rite of making sacred, or “appoint,” which denotes a secular assignment, to anoint makes the transfer of grace a tactile, visceral transaction. It is the slow, deliberate thumb tracing a cross of chrism on a forehead, the glistening runnels on the pelt of a sacrificial lamb, the monarch’s brow made slick and shining under cathedral light—a sacrament conducted not with words, but with the human hand and its greasy witness, marking one for a fate not entirely their own.
Etymology
From Middle English enointen, anointen, borrowed from Old French enoint, past participle of enoindre (“to anoint”). Doublet of inunct.
verb
- To smear or rub over with oil or an unctuous substance; also, to spread over, as oil.“He anointed the eyes of the blind man with the clay.”
- To apply oil to or to pour oil upon, etc., as a sacred rite, especially for consecration.“Then shalt thou take the anointing oil, and pour it upon his [Aaron's] head and anoint him.”
- To choose or nominate somebody for a leading or otherwise important position, especially formally or officially, or as an intended successor.“Unlike other previous Prelates, who were swiftly anointed bishops, Francis did not follow suit. Ocáriz remained a Monsignor. In the eyes of many observers, it was a demotion of Opus Dei.”
- To mark somebody as an official ruler, especially a king or queen, as a part of a religious ceremony.