incense

1
[ in-sens ]
See synonyms for incense on Thesaurus.com
noun
  1. an aromatic gum or other substance producing a sweet odor when burned, used in religious ceremonies, to enhance a mood, etc.

  2. the perfume or smoke arising from such a substance when burned.

  1. any pleasant perfume or fragrance.

  2. homage or adulation.

verb (used with object),in·censed, in·cens·ing.
  1. to perfume with incense.

  2. to burn incense for.

verb (used without object),in·censed, in·cens·ing.
  1. to burn or offer incense.

Origin of incense

1
First recorded in 1250–1300; Middle English encens, incens, from Old French encens, from Late Latin incēnsum, literally, “something kindled,” neuter of incēnsus (past participle of incendere “to set on fire”); see also incendiary

Other definitions for incense (2 of 2)

incense2
[ in-sens ]

verb (used with object),in·censed, in·cens·ing.
  1. to inflame with wrath; make angry; enrage.

Origin of incense

2
First recorded in 1400–50; late Middle English incensen, ensensen “to fumigate, burn incense,” from Old French encenser, from Latin incēnsus; see incense1

synonym study For incense

See enrage.

Other words for incense

Other words from incense

  • in·cense·ment, noun

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2024

How to use incense in a sentence

British Dictionary definitions for incense (1 of 2)

incense1

/ (ˈɪnsɛns) /


noun
  1. any of various aromatic substances burnt for their fragrant odour, esp in religious ceremonies

  2. the odour or smoke so produced

  1. any pleasant fragrant odour; aroma

  2. rare homage or adulation

verb
  1. to burn incense in honour of (a deity)

  2. (tr) to perfume or fumigate with incense

Origin of incense

1
C13: from Old French encens, from Church Latin incensum, from Latin incendere to kindle

Derived forms of incense

  • incensation, noun

British Dictionary definitions for incense (2 of 2)

incense2

/ (ɪnˈsɛns) /


verb
  1. (tr) to enrage greatly

Origin of incense

2
C15: from Latin incensus set on fire, from incendere to kindle

Derived forms of incense

  • incensement, noun

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012