Incise — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

verb /in-ˈsīz/ in·cise

Meaning & Definition of Incise

Incise (verb)

  1. to carve (something, such as an inscription) into a surface
  2. to carve figures, letters, or devices into, engrave
  3. to cut into

Incise (verb) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. to cut (as letters or designs) on a hard surface

    "incised a pattern into the copper plate"

    similar: engrave, etch, grave, inscribe, insculp (archaic)
    related: carve, chisel, sculpt, sculpture, chase, groove, indent, notch, score, trace, affix, impress

  2. to penetrate with a sharp edge (as a knife)

    "incised the tree with a sharp ax to get the sap flowing"

    similar: cut, gash, rip, shear, slash, slice, slit
    related: crosscut, hacksaw, saw, scissor, cleave, rive, split, pierce, stab, bruise, butcher, hack, haggle, lacerate, mangle, rend, tear, carve, chip, chisel, notch, anatomize, dissect, section, chop, dice, mince, amputate, cut off, sever

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Incise

The most common words with a similar meaning to Incise:

Archaic: insculp
engrave, etch, grave, inscribe, cut, gash, rip, shear, slash, slice, slit

Related Words for Incise

carve, chisel, sculpt, sculpture, chase, groove, indent, notch, score, trace, affix, impress, crosscut, hacksaw, saw, scissor, cleave, rive, split, pierce, stab, bruise, butcher, hack, haggle, lacerate, mangle, rend, tear, chip

Word Forms of Incise

Inflections: incised, incising

Origin & Etymology of Incise

Middle French or Latin; Middle French inciser, from Latin incisus, past participle of incidere, from in- + caedere to cut

First known use: 1567

Frequently Asked Questions about Incise

What does "Incise" mean?

"Incise" means to carve (something, such as an inscription) into a surface. As a verb, it is defined as: to carve (something, such as an inscription) into a surface. It has 2 distinct senses.

What is another word for "Incise"?

Other words for "Incise" include engrave, etch, grave, inscribe, insculp, cut, gash and rip. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Incise" you intend.

What are different ways to say "Incise"?

There are 51 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Incise". Common alternatives include engrave, etch, grave, inscribe, insculp, cut, gash, rip, shear and slash.

How do you use "Incise" in a sentence?

Examples of "Incise" in a sentence: "incised a pattern into the copper plate"; "incised the tree with a sharp ax to get the sap flowing".

Is "Incise" a noun, verb, or adjective?

"Incise" is a verb.

How do you pronounce "Incise"?

"Incise" is pronounced /in-ˈsīz/ and divided into syllables as in·cise.

What is the origin of the word "Incise"?

"Incise" comes from Middle French or Latin; Middle French inciser, from Latin incisus, past participle of incidere, from in- + caedere to cut. First known use: 1567.

What is another word for "Incise" meaning "to cut (as letters or designs) on a hard surface"?

When "Incise" (verb) means to cut (as letters or designs) on a hard surface, synonyms include engrave, etch, grave, inscribe and insculp.