Dictionary.com

incense

1
[ in-sens ]
/ ˈɪn sɛns /
Save This Word!
See synonyms for: incense / incensed / incensement on Thesaurus.com

noun
verb (used with object), in·censed, in·cens·ing.
to perfume with incense.
to burn incense for.
verb (used without object), in·censed, in·cens·ing.
to burn or offer incense.
QUIZ
WILL YOU SAIL OR STUMBLE ON THESE GRAMMAR QUESTIONS?
Smoothly step over to these common grammar mistakes that trip many people up. Good luck!
Question 1 of 7
Fill in the blank: I can’t figure out _____ gave me this gift.

Origin of incense

1
1250–1300; Middle English <Late Latin incēnsum, literally, something kindled, neuter of incēnsus (past participle of incendere to set on fire), equivalent to incend- (see incendiary) + -tus past participle suffix; replacing Middle English ansens, ensenz<Old French <Late Latin as above

Other definitions for incense (2 of 2)

incense2
[ in-sens ]
/ ɪnˈsɛns /

verb (used with object), in·censed, in·cens·ing.
to inflame with wrath; make angry; enrage.

Origin of incense

2
First recorded in 1400–50; late Middle English incensen, from Middle French encenser, from Latin incēnsus (see incense1)

synonym study for incense

See enrage.

OTHER WORDS FROM incense

in·cense·ment, noun
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

How to use incense in a sentence

British Dictionary definitions for incense (1 of 2)

incense1
/ (ˈɪnsɛns) /

noun
any of various aromatic substances burnt for their fragrant odour, esp in religious ceremonies
the odour or smoke so produced
any pleasant fragrant odour; aroma
rare homage or adulation
verb
to burn incense in honour of (a deity)
(tr) to perfume or fumigate with incense

Derived forms of incense

incensation, noun

Word Origin for incense

C13: from Old French encens, from Church Latin incensum, from Latin incendere to kindle

British Dictionary definitions for incense (2 of 2)

incense2
/ (ɪnˈsɛns) /

verb
(tr) to enrage greatly

Derived forms of incense

incensement, noun

Word Origin for incense

C15: from Latin incensus set on fire, from incendere to kindle
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
FEEDBACK