Unction

/ˈʌŋkʃn/
noun

The act of applying oil or ointment to someone, often as part of a religious ceremony.

The priest used unction in the coronation of the king.
Visual representation of "unction" - The act of applying oil or ointment to someone, often as part of a religious ceremony.

Often appears as...

  • religious unction
  • anoint with unction

Usage tips

Formal

Religious

noun

A soothing or healing treatment for the body or mind.

After the yoga session, I felt an unction of peace and tranquility.
Visual representation of "unction" - A soothing or healing treatment for the body or mind.

Often appears as...

  • soothing unction
  • feel unction

Usage tips

Formal

noun

Smug self-satisfaction or exaggerated piety, often used in a negative sense.

The politician's unction during the speech was obvious to the audience.
Visual representation of "unction" - Smug self-satisfaction or exaggerated piety, often used in a negative sense

Often appears as...

  • political unction
  • display unction

Usage tips

Formal, Disapproving

Political

noun

The act of applying oil or ointment to someone, often as part of a religious ceremony.

The priest used unction in the coronation of the king.
Visual representation of "unction" - The act of applying oil or ointment to someone, often as part of a religious ceremony.

Often appears as...

  • religious unction
  • anoint with unction

Usage tips

Formal

Religious

noun

A soothing or healing treatment for the body or mind.

After the yoga session, I felt an unction of peace and tranquility.
Visual representation of "unction" - A soothing or healing treatment for the body or mind.

Often appears as...

  • soothing unction
  • feel unction

Usage tips

Formal

noun

Smug self-satisfaction or exaggerated piety, often used in a negative sense.

The politician's unction during the speech was obvious to the audience.
Visual representation of "unction" - Smug self-satisfaction or exaggerated piety, often used in a negative sense

Often appears as...

  • political unction
  • display unction

Usage tips

Formal, Disapproving

Political

Definition 1 of 3
Visual representation of "unction"
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Religious Rituals

Used in contexts involving sacred or holy ceremonies, often by a religious official.

Illustration for Religious Rituals
The bishop performed the unction with sacred oil during the ordination.
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Formal Language

Most common in formal or historical texts, not used in everyday casual conversation.

Illustration for Formal Language
The ancient texts describe the unction of the pharaoh with great reverence.
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Ceremonial Context

Think of ceremonies like coronations, blessings, or healings where oil is applied.

Illustration for Ceremonial Context
He received the unction before heading into battle, as was the custom.
Visual representation of the word "Unction"

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