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

Vanilla Soul, pictured here, includes notes of red fruits, Somali incense, Madagascan vanilla, sandalwood, amber. —Emma Sandler, Forbes, 27 Nov. 2024

The result is a spicy, woodsy masterpiece, where the interplay of orange and incense electrifies with complexity. —Michael Stefanov, Robb Report, 26 Nov. 2024

Verb

State and local tax deduction cap would go away One of the most controversial provisions in the TCJA was the cap on state and local tax deductions, known as SALT, which incensed Republican members of Congress from several Democratic states. —Tobias Burns, The Hill, 4 Dec. 2024

Later, the film’s producers refused to grant the movie’s art and name to the paperback version of the book — as is customary, theoretically enhancing the promotion of both properties — which incensed the usually docile Mezrich. —Simon Van Zuylen-Wood, Vulture, 1 Nov. 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