Definition

Noun: 1. The act of applying oil or an oily liquid: The ceremonial or ritual act of rubbing or smearing oil onto a person or object. 2. The ceremony of anointing; consecration: The specific rite or ceremony in which anointment is performed, often for religious, ceremonial, or symbolic purposes.

Usage

Anointment is a formal noun used to describe the process or ceremony itself. It is most commonly associated with religious rituals (like the anointment of a king or priest) or, in a broader sense, any act of applying oil.

Examples

• The anointment of the new bishop was a solemn and ancient ceremony.
• In some traditions, the anointment with sacred oil signifies a spiritual blessing.
• The ritual involved the anointment of the altar with fragrant oils.

Advanced Usage

• "Sacred anointment": Refers specifically to anointment performed as part of a holy ritual.
  • The sacred anointment was believed to confer divine authority upon the ruler.
• "Ceremonial anointment": Emphasizes the formal, ritualistic aspect of the act.
  • The ceremonial anointment marked the beginning of his official duties.

Variants and Related Words

• Anoint (verb): To apply oil to; to consecrate by applying oil.
  • They will anoint the new leader during the service.
• Anointed (adjective): Having been anointed; consecrated.
  • The anointed king addressed his people.
• Chrism (noun): Consecrated oil used in anointment, especially in Christian rites.

Synonyms

• Consecration: The act of making something sacred.
• Unction: The act of anointing, especially for medical or religious purposes (can be synonymous in a religious context).
• Blessing: A prayer or act that invokes divine favor, which anointment can be a part of.

Idioms and Phrases

• The anointment of [someone/something]: A phrase used to describe the formal process of appointing or blessing a person or thing, often implying divine or high authority.
  • The media described his promotion as the anointment of the company's next CEO.

Noun

1. the act of applying oil or an oily liquid