US /ˈɪnsɛns/
noun verb Freq #13161

Meanings

  1. 1
    noun

    A substance that gives off a sweet smell when it is burned.

    The temple was filled with the smell of burning incense.

  2. 2
    verb

    To make someone extremely angry.

    The unfair decision incensed the whole team.

Thesaurus

Synonyms
2 verb · to make someone extremely... infuriateangerexasperate
Word family
Forms incensedincensesincensing
Derived forms incensationincenselessincensementincenserincensiveincensoleincensorincensoryincensyreincense
Related forms frankincense

Etymology

From Middle English encens, from Old French encens (“sweet-smelling substance”) from Late Latin incensum (“burnt incense”, literally “something burnt”), neuter past participle of incendō (“to set on fire”). Compare incendiary. Doublet of incienso.

View etymology graph ->

Topics

markdown

Send feedback

Optional — only if you'd like a reply.