noun , verb
■ noun
/ ˈɪnsens; NAmE / [ U ] a substance that produces a pleasant smell when you burn it, used particularly in religious ceremonies
■ verb
/ ɪnˈsens/ [ vn ] to make sb very angry :
The decision incensed the workforce.
••
WORD ORIGIN
noun Middle English (originally as encense ): from Old French encens (noun), encenser (verb), from ecclesiastical Latin incensum something burnt, incense, neuter past participle of incendere set fire to, from in- in + the base of candere to glow.
verb late Middle English (in the general sense inflame or excite someone with a strong feeling ): from Old French incenser , from Latin incendere set fire to.