incensed

USAGE SUMMARY

"incensed" is correct and can be used in written English.
It is an adjective that means to be extremely angry. You can use it to describe someone who is very angry. Example sentence: The doctor was incensed when he heard about the unethical practices of his colleague.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

He was incensed.

The Guardian - Opinion

Many in Australia's stable of conservative thinkers were so incensed by the decision of UWA's vice chancellor, Paul Johnson, that the only balm to sooth their fiery rage was to quickly over-write 700 words for a Rupert Murdoch newspaper.

The Guardian

You're the liberal elite, and the one time you caught an episode of Mrs Brown's Boys – by accident, while you were trying to find a BBC 4 documentary about the history of wood – you became so incensed that you spat your quinoa all over your Birkenstocks.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

In his first speech from the floor for more than 20 years, he incensed the party leadership and won a standing ovation from many constituency delegates, some of whom used the debate to criticise Tony Blair for sending his son Euan to a grant-maintained school.

The Guardian

Plus, considering that during O'Malley's first debate in his first run for office Pica's sister got so incensed with him that she bum-rushed the stage and started to choke him, he likely will be able to avoid any further physical violence.

The Guardian

Marsack told Guardian Money that she was incensed the Spanish-owned bank could make such a change without notifying or consulting her.

The Guardian - Money

Born in Lanarkshire in 1903, as a teenager he incensed his Ulster Orangeman father by supporting Celtic and marrying a Catholic.

The Guardian - Sport

The best-paid of the three in his previous job, Turkmen found himself bankrolling the group for the first few years, and is mildly incensed by the notion that getting to where they are now has been a doddle.

The Guardian - Music

The Tory mayor incensed Occupy demonstrators at St Paul's Cathedral when he described them as "crusties" engaged in a "thoroughly maddening protest against capitalism" and repeated his call for them to be removed.

The Guardian

Harsh words were exchanged and the women seemed incensed by the 20 diram notes on the wall.

The Guardian - Arts

Later in the day, incensed officials and police came to the colony, and this ultimately led to the municipality beginning regular garbage collection.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "incensed" when you want to convey a sense of righteous anger or outrage, particularly in response to something perceived as unjust or unfair. Consider the nuance compared to other words like "angry" or "mad".

Common error

While "incensed" is a strong and appropriate term, avoid using it too casually in informal settings. Opt for simpler words like "annoyed" or "upset" when the situation doesn't warrant a high degree of anger.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "incensed" is as an adjective. It describes a state of being filled with intense anger. Ludwig confirms this usage with numerous examples of its application in modifying nouns to indicate a high level of anger or outrage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

89%

Formal & Business

5%

Science

3%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The term "incensed" is an adjective denoting a state of intense anger or outrage, often in response to perceived injustice. As Ludwig AI points out, it's grammatically correct and widely used, particularly in News & Media contexts where the need to convey strong emotional reactions is frequent. While synonyms like "enraged" and "furious" exist, "incensed" carries a nuance of moral indignation. While the usage is appropriate and correct, overuse in very casual conversation might seem stilted. Overall, "incensed" is a potent and precise word choice when aiming to accurately capture profound anger.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

enraged

Indicates a state of intense anger, closely mirroring "incensed" but potentially suggesting a higher degree of fury.

furious

Similar to "enraged", implying a very strong level of anger, almost uncontrollable.

outraged

Focuses on anger caused by something morally wrong or offensive, adding a layer of indignation.

indignant

Highlights a sense of righteous anger and displeasure, particularly at unfair treatment.

irate

Suggests a state of great anger, often displayed outwardly.

exasperated

Implies frustration and annoyance, often due to repeated irritations.

livid

Describes extreme anger, often accompanied by visible signs like flushed skin.

wrathful

Indicates intense anger, often associated with a desire for revenge or punishment.

annoyed

Expresses mild irritation or displeasure, a weaker form of anger compared to "incensed".

irritated

Similar to "annoyed", denoting a lower level of anger or impatience.

FAQs

What does "incensed" mean?

"Incensed" means extremely angry or outraged, typically due to something considered unfair or unjust.

How can I use "incensed" in a sentence?

You can say, "The community was "outraged" by the new policy" or "He was "furious" when he heard the news".

What are some synonyms for "incensed"?

Synonyms for "incensed" include "enraged", "furious", "outraged", and "indignant".

Is "incensed" a formal word?

"Incensed" is a relatively formal word, suitable for news articles, academic writing, and professional communications. In informal settings, simpler terms like "angry" or "upset" might be more appropriate.