Definition

1. Noun:

   • A substance that produces a fragrant smoke when burned: "Incense" refers to a material, often made from aromatic plant parts, that is burned to produce a pleasant smell.
   • The fragrant smoke or aroma produced by burning such a substance: "Incense" can also refer to the pleasing scent or smoke itself.

2. Verb:

   • To perfume with fragrant smoke: To burn incense or to fill a space with its aroma.
   • To make very angry: To infuriate or enrage someone.

Examples

• Noun:

  • The smell of sandalwood incense filled the temple.
  • She lit a stick of incense to create a calming atmosphere.

• Verb (to perfume):

  • The priest incensed the altar before the ceremony.
• Verb (to make angry):
  • His rude comments incensed the entire audience.

Advanced Usage

• "To be incensed by/at something": To be extremely angered by something.
  • She was incensed by the unfair treatment.
• "To burn incense to/for someone": To burn incense as an offering or in honor of someone.
  • They burned incense for their ancestors.

Variants and Related Words

• Incensed (adj.): Very angry; furious.
  • The incensed crowd demanded an explanation.
• Incensation (n.): The act of burning incense or perfuming with incense. (Rare/Formal)
• Censer (n.): A container in which incense is burned.

Synonyms

• Noun (substance/smell): Perfume, fragrance, aroma.
• Verb (to make angry): Enrage, infuriate, anger, madden.

Phrasal Verbs / Related Constructions

(This word does not commonly form phrasal verbs. Its meanings are expressed through its direct use as a verb or in the phrase "to be incensed.")

Related Idioms

• "Burn incense at the altar of...": To show excessive devotion or flattery to someone or something. (Figurative)
  • He was accused of burning incense at the altar of corporate power.

Noun

1. the pleasing scent produced when incense is burned
   • incense filled the room
2. a substance that produces a fragrant odor when burned

Verb

1. make furious
2. perfume especially with a censer