anoints

verb

  1. To smear or rub over with oil or an unctuous substance; also, to spread over, as oil.

  2. To apply oil to or to pour oil upon, etc., as a sacred rite, especially for consecration.

  3. To choose or nominate somebody for a leading or otherwise important position, especially formally or officially, or as an intended successor.

  4. To mark somebody as an official ruler, especially a king or queen, as a part of a religious ceremony.

Synonyms: salve