incense

1 of 3

noun

in·​cense ˈin-ˌsen(t)s 

1

: material used to produce a fragrant odor when burned

2

: the perfume exhaled from some spices and gums when burned

broadly : a pleasing scent

3

: pleasing attention : flattery

incense

2 of 3

verb (1)

in·​cense ˈin-ˌsen(t)s 

incensed; incensing

transitive verb

1

: to apply or offer incense to

2

: to perfume with incense

incense

3 of 3

verb (2)

in·​cense in-ˈsen(t)s 

incensed; incensing

transitive verb

1

: to arouse the extreme anger or indignation of

2

archaic : to cause (a passion or emotion) to become aroused

Synonyms

Noun

• aroma
• attar
• otto
• balm
• bouquet
• fragrance
• fragrancy
• perfume
• redolence
• scent
• spice

Verb (1)

• odorize
• perfume
• scent

Verb (2)

• anger
• enrage
• inflame
• enflame
• infuriate
• ire
• mad
• madden
• outrage
• rankle
• rile
• roil
• steam up
• tick off

Examples of incense in a Sentence

Noun

the heavenly incense of spring flowers

count on the office manager to spread the incense whenever there's a visiting VIP from the head office

Verb (1)

the gift shop was heavily incensed with a cloying mixture of herbal essences

Verb (2)

the insult so incensed him that he had to be restrained from hitting the guy

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

The Nabateans were a nomadic group that became wealthy by trading incense, likely constructing the city after amassing this fortune. —Olatunji Osho-Williams, Smithsonian Magazine, 15 Oct. 2024

Read More: How Slow, Deep Breathing Taps Into a Natural Rhythm in Our Bodies How to Use Palo Santo Palo santo is often burned as incense or its oil is used in a diffuser. —Sean Mowbray, Discover Magazine, 11 Oct. 2024

Verb

Here is some heavy equipment, CAT earth mover… Marianna was incensed. —Outside Online, 16 Oct. 2024

Some fans at the Raiders’ final Coliseum game in 2019 — doubly incensed by some controversial officiating calls in that game — threw trash and bottles onto the field after the final whistle. —Justice Delos Santos, The Mercury News, 25 Sep. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Noun

Middle English encens, from Anglo-French, from Late Latin incensum, from Latin, neuter of incensus, past participle of incendere to set on fire, from in- + -cendere to burn; akin to Latin candēre to glow — more at candid entry 1

Verb (2)

Middle English encensen, probably from Latin incensus, past participle of incendere to set on fire, provoke

First Known Use

Noun

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb (1)

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb (2)

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Phrases Containing incense

• incense cedar

Kids Definition

incense

1 of 2 noun

in·​cense ˈin-ˌsen(t)s 

1

a

: material used to produce a fragrant odor when burned

b

: the odor so produced

2

: a pleasing scent

incense

2 of 2 verb

in·​cense

in-ˈsen(t)s

incensed; incensing

: to make very angry