incense

1 of 2

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

2 of 2

verb (2)

in·​cense in-ˈsen(t)s 

incensed; incensing

transitive verb

1

: to arouse the extreme anger or indignation of

Her remarks so incensed them that they walked out.

2

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

Synonyms of incense

Verb (1)

• scent
• perfume

Verb (2)

• anger
• infuriate
• enrage

Examples of incense in a Sentence

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

Verb

Democrats would be incensed if the shoe were on the other foot and Platner was the Republican candidate. —Doug Friednash, Denver Post, 3 June 2026

But he was baffled as to why people are now incensed over pickleball courts. —Susannah Bryan, Sun Sentinel, 3 June 2026

Park aficionados were incensed. —HubSpot, 1 June 2026

Fans are incensed that he’s not used as Josh Morrissey’s partner on the top pair. —Murat Ates, New York Times, 27 May 2026

Word History

Etymology

Verb (1)

Middle English encensen, borrowed from Anglo-French encenser, borrowed from Late Latin incensāre, derivative of incensum incense entry 1

Verb (2)

Middle English encensen "to heat. arouse, provoke," probably borrowed from Latin incensus, past participle of incendere "to set on fire, kindle, make fiery hot, inspire, inflame, provoke" — more at incense entry 1

Note: Sources in Medieval French for this verb appear to be lacking. Evidence in British Medieval Latin is also lacking, aside from occurrence in a lexical list (the twelfth-century Liber Derivationum of Osbern of Gloucester).

First Known Use

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

Rhymes for incense

• commence
• condense
• defence
• defense
• dispense
• expense
• fourpence
• halfpence
• immense
• intense
• missense
• offence

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