incense
Translation
to enrage, to infuriate
Examples
His rude comments incensed the audience.
His rude comments incensed the audience.
She was incensed by the injustice.
She was incensed by the injustice.
Grammar Patterns
((sb.)) to make (sb.) very angry. His rude comments incensed the audience.
((to be incensed)) ((by/at sth.)) to be made very angry by (sth.). She was incensed by the injustice.
Similar Words
Synonyms: enrage, infuriate, anger; Antonyms: placate, soothe, calm.
Etymology
From Latin 'incendere' meaning 'to set on fire', figuratively 'to inflame with passion or anger'.
Memory Tips
Imagine someone's temper being 'set on fire' – that's what it means to incense them.