Anointing vs. Unction — What's the Difference?

Anointing is the ritual act of pouring aromatic oil over a person's head or entire body.By extension, the term is also applied to related acts of sprinkling, dousing, or smearing a person or object with any perfumed oil, milk, butter, or other fat. Scented oils are used as perfumes and sharing them is an act of hospitality.

The act of anointing as part of a religious, ceremonial, or healing ritual.

To apply oil, ointment, or a similar substance to.

An ointment or oil; a salve.

To put oil on during a religious ceremony as a sign of sanctification or consecration.

Something that serves to soothe; a balm.

To choose by or as if by divine intervention.

Affected or exaggerated earnestness, especially in choice and use of language.

Present participle of anoint

An ointment or salve.

Anointment

A religious or ceremonial anointing.

The act of applying oil or an oily liquid

A balm or something that soothes.

A quality in language, address or delivery which expresses sober and fervent emotion.

A smug, exaggerated use of language; smarminess.

Divine or sanctifying grace.

The act of anointing, smearing, or rubbing with an unguent, oil, or ointment, especially for medical purposes, or as a symbol of consecration; as, mercurial unction.

That which is used for anointing; an unguent; an ointment; hence, anything soothing or lenitive.

Divine or sanctifying grace.

That quality in language, address, or the like, which excites emotion; especially, strong devotion; religious fervor and tenderness; sometimes, a simulated, factitious, or unnatural fervor.

Excessive but superficial compliments given with affected charm

Smug self-serving earnestness

Semisolid preparation (usually containing a medicine) applied externally as a remedy or for soothing an irritation

Anointing as part of a religious ceremony or healing ritual