The Complete Vocabulary Builder Workbook by BETTER WORDS R. B. Skinner

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incense

verb

/ˈɪn sɛns/

IPA:

Dictionary definition of incense

To cause strong feelings of anger, annoyance, or indignation in someone.
"Her blatant disrespect was enough to incense the normally mild-mannered teacher."

Detailed meaning of incense

In this sense, it implies provoking or infuriating someone to the point of extreme emotional reaction. The verb can also be used metaphorically to indicate passionately or intensely arousing someone's emotions or sentiments, often in a positive or inspiring manner. It can also refer to the act of perfuming or filling the air with a pleasant and aromatic fragrance, typically by burning incense or scented substances. This usage often occurs in religious, ceremonial, or meditative practices, where the fragrance is believed to have symbolic or purifying properties. Additionally, "incense" can mean to enrage or provoke someone through actions, words, or behavior, causing them to feel deeply offended or resentful. Overall, the verb "incense" encompasses the act of perfuming with a pleasing fragrance, provoking anger or indignation, or passionately arousing strong emotions.

Example sentences containing incense

1. His words incense her, sparking a fiery glare and a sharp, cutting retort.
2. Lies can incense John; he values truth and honesty above all else, always.
3. She knew her decision would incense them, yet stood firm, unswayed, brave.
4. The artist’s bold piece was meant to incense, stir, and provoke its viewers.
5. Such arrogance was bound to incense Mark; respect was his core value, indeed.
6. A disregard for nature is sure to incense Linda; she champions Earth's cause.

History and etymology of incense

The verb 'incense' has its roots in the Latin word 'incensum,' which is the past participle of 'incendere,' meaning 'to set on fire' or 'to kindle.' In Latin, 'incensum' was used figuratively to describe a state of being inflamed with passion or anger. Over time, this figurative use of the term evolved, and in English, 'incense' came to signify the act of causing strong feelings of anger, annoyance, or indignation in someone. When we say that something 'incenses' us, we are describing a situation or action that ignites our emotions and stirs up feelings of frustration or anger. The etymology of 'incense' underscores its historical connection to the idea of inflaming emotions and passions, highlighting its role in describing actions or circumstances that provoke strong negative reactions.

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Further usage examples of incense

1. Politicians' promises, often empty, incense citizens who demand accountability.
2. When leaders fail to lead, their inaction can incense the masses, prompting change.
3. Underestimating Anna was a mistake, one that was sure to incense her deeply.
4. Censoring books tends to incense readers; the thirst for knowledge is innate.
5. Tardy responses incense clients, driving them to competitors with speed, fury.
6. The unjust policy changes at work were bound to incense the staff.
7. It might incense your brother if you keep borrowing his clothes without asking.
8. The city's decision to cut down the park's trees for a new mall incensed the local community.
9. She knew her late arrival would incense her parents, yet she didn't quicken her pace.
10. The politician's inflammatory speech was likely to incense the opposition party.
11. His patronizing tone was enough to incense anyone within hearing range.
12. The poor customer service at the restaurant managed to incense even the most patient of patrons.
13. She found that her friend's continuous excuses were beginning to incense her.
14. He could tell his lack of preparation would incense his teammates.
15. The director's decision to cancel the project was sure to incense the investors.
16. It's clear that your constant tardiness will incense the professor sooner or later.
17. The refusal to acknowledge the issue was something that would incense any activist.
18. Her attempts to undermine his authority were designed to incense him.
19. The arbitrary rule changes incensed the members of the club.
20. The harsh review of his book was bound to incense the author.
21. The lack of environmental considerations in the new plan was enough to incense the ecologists.
22. The audacious comments from the rookie player incensed the seasoned veterans.
23. His insistence on always having the last word began to incense his colleagues.
24. The decision to impose new taxes incensed the already frustrated taxpayers.