To anoint means to pour or rub oil on someone or something as part of a sacred ceremony. In many religious traditions, priests anoint people by placing blessed oil on their foreheads or hands during important moments like baptisms, confirmations, or coronations. When ancient kings were crowned, they were anointed with oil to show they had been chosen for their sacred role.

The word comes from an old practice of using oil to set someone apart for a special purpose. In the Bible, prophets anointed kings by pouring oil over their heads. Even today, Catholic and Orthodox priests use consecrated oil called chrism during religious ceremonies.

Outside religious contexts, people use anoint figuratively to mean choosing or declaring someone for an important position. A coach might anoint a promising young player as team captain, or a retiring CEO might anoint a successor. When used this way, it suggests the person has been specially selected and given authority or responsibility. The phrase “the anointed one” refers to someone chosen for greatness or leadership.

The word carries a sense of ceremony and importance. You wouldn't say your mom anointed you with sunscreen at the beach; that's just regular application. Anointing implies something meaningful and deliberate, a formal act of blessing or selection.