incense
1 Americannoun
-
an aromatic gum or other substance producing a sweet odor when burned, used in religious ceremonies, to enhance a mood, etc.
-
the perfume or smoke arising from such a substance when burned.
-
any pleasant perfume or fragrance.
-
homage or adulation.
verb (used with object)
-
to perfume with incense.
-
to burn incense for.
verb (used without object)
verb (used with object)
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
verb
Synonym Usage
See enrage.
Other Word Forms
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”); see also 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; see incense 1
Explanation
Incense means both "to make angry" and a stick that burns slowly and emits a strong smell. If your new college roommate burns incense in your tiny dorm room, you might get incensed and storm out. How can a word that means a substance that is burned for its sweet odor come to mean "make very angry"? Both have to do with the idea of burning, and the Latin root incendere, "to set on fire." A stick of incense must be lit, or set on fire to release its smell. When you are incensed by something, such as your teacher slamming you with homework on the night of the prom, you feel like you are burning with anger.
Vocabulary lists containing incense
Inside Out & Back Again
Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!
Christmas Carol Vocab: A Lyrical Lexicon
Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!
Seedfolks
Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
See Examples For:
The practice echoes the burning of incense in Buddhist rituals, though pine's sharp natural scent makes it stand out from the aromatic powders used in joss sticks.
From Barron's ● Nov. 2, 2026
"I have always felt something sacred here at this park," the 36-year-old told AFP recently, after burning incense near a memorial plaque.
From Barron's ● Oct. 14, 2026
In Taiwan, temples are everywhere, wedged between shops and apartment blocks, their incense smoke wafting into busy intersections.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Sep. 6, 2026
The Guardian called the programme "the most controversial show of the year", external, and its four-star review said the documentary "will incense and offend some of its viewers", but that "Pemberton answers his questions convincingly".
From BBC ● Aug. 19, 2026
The house is very neat and clean, and it smells like incense.
From "Hello, Universe" by Erin Entrada Kelly
Perloff was incensed by one letter where Holmes said she did not realize he was writing a story about her.
From Los Angeles Times ● Oct. 21, 2026
The blonde executive assistant to the president was then mentioned by a Democratic senate hopeful, in comments that set the internet alight -- and incensed the White House.
From Barron's ● Aug. 19, 2026
There was a catch: The doctor in question had no idea that funds were being solicited or contributed in her name — and she was incensed.
From MarketWatch ● Jul. 2, 2026
Some fans are incensed at what they call "fence-sitting".
From BBC ● Jun. 6, 2026
He was incensed by the idea of my mom being in contact with her previous love, and she decided it was safer for everyone involved not to test his anger.
From "Born a Crime: Stories from a South African Childhood" by Trevor Noah
At the same time, two affordable housing projects have stalled, incensing advocates who say the government is leaving homeless people with few options other than leaving town or jail time.
From Los Angeles Times ● Nov. 20, 2024
"The Post Office Horizon scandal is a story so incensing, outrageous and downright ugly that I found it difficult to watch," she said.
From BBC ● Jan. 2, 2024
After the new flavor became popular and sold out, however, boxes started being resold on platforms such as eBay at marked-up prices, incensing the Girl Scouts organization.
From Washington Times ● Oct. 5, 2023
The Bengals kicked a 38-yard field goal with 32 seconds left to avert a shutout, incensing the Ravens.
From Seattle Times ● Oct. 16, 2020
The city council hesitated, afraid of incensing the people if they complied.
From Montcalm and Wolfe by Francis Parkman
Random Word
Spin the wheel and learn a new word!
Get a wordDefinitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
