incense

¹ American  

[in-sens] / ˈɪn sɛns /

noun

1. an aromatic gum or other substance producing a sweet odor when burned, used in religious ceremonies, to enhance a mood, etc.

2. the perfume or smoke arising from such a substance when burned.

3. any pleasant perfume or fragrance.

4. homage or adulation.

---

verb (used with object)

incensed, incensing

1. to perfume with incense.

2. to burn incense for.

verb (used without object)

incensed, incensing

1. to burn or offer incense.

incense ² American  

[in-sens] / ɪnˈsɛns /

verb (used with object)

incensed, incensing

1. to inflame with wrath; make angry; enrage.

   Synonyms:

   irritate, provoke, exasperate, anger

---

incense ¹ British  

/ ˈɪnsɛns /

noun

1. any of various aromatic substances burnt for their fragrant odour, esp in religious ceremonies

2. the odour or smoke so produced

3. any pleasant fragrant odour; aroma

4. rare homage or adulation

---

verb

1. to burn incense in honour of (a deity)

2. (tr) to perfume or fumigate with incense

incense ² British  

/ ɪnˈsɛns /

verb

1. (tr) to enrage greatly

---

Related Words

See enrage.

Other Word Forms

• incensation noun
• incensement noun

Etymology

Origin of incense¹

First recorded in 1250–1300; Middle English encens, incens, from Old French encens, from Late Latin incēnsum, literally, “something kindled,” neuter of incēnsus (past participle of incendere “to set on fire”); incendiary

Origin of incense²

First recorded in 1400–50; late Middle English incensen, ensensen “to fumigate, burn incense,” from Old French encenser, from Latin incēnsus; incense ¹

Example Sentences

Another lighted incense sticks and stuck them in the snow.

From Los Angeles Times

"I was incensed," John told the court, adding that he has "never been afraid of fighting my corner... with the British press".

From Barron's

It smelled of some sort of incense—spicy and sharp, yet strangely pleasant.

From Literature

They will be incensed about the decision to send off Trusty for the denial of an obvious goalscoring opportunity when leading 2-1.

From BBC

Replays showed the slightest of contact was made by Verbruggen's high foot but, with the ball seemingly running harmlessly away from goal, Brighton's staff, players and fans were left incensed by the decision.

From BBC

Related Words

• anger
• bother
• disgust
• enrage
• exasperate
• excite
• fire up
• inflame
• infuriate
• irritate
• rile