noun
incense
IHN-sehns
noun
1
A substance burned to produce a fragrant smoke, often used in religious ceremonies or to scent a room.
"She lit a stick of incense before starting her meditation."
verb
1
To make someone very angry.
"His dismissive comment incensed the whole room."
"Residents were incensed by the sudden rent increase."
How to Use Incense
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishAs a noun, fragrant burning material; as a verb, to make furious.
Common mistake
The noun (a scented substance) and the verb (to enrage) are pronounced differently — stress on the first syllable for the noun, second syllable for the verb.
Common pairings
burn incense
stick of incense
incense someone with a remark
Word Forms
incensed past tense, incenses plural, incenses singular
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Etymology
From Old French encens, "sweet-smelling substance," from Late Latin incensum, literally "something burnt." Related to incendiary and incendō, "to set on fire."