indulge

[ in-duhlj ]

verb (used without object)

, in·dulged, in·dulg·ing.

1. to yield to an inclination or desire; allow oneself to follow one's will (often followed by in ):

   Dessert came, but I didn't indulge.

   They indulged in unbelievable shopping sprees.

verb (used with object)

, in·dulged, in·dulg·ing.

1. to yield to, satisfy, or gratify (desires, feelings, etc.):

   to indulge one's appetite for sweets.

2. to yield to the wishes or whims of; be lenient or permissive with:

   to indulge a child.

   Synonyms: favor, pamper

3. to allow (oneself ) to follow one's will (usually followed by in ):

   to indulge oneself in reckless spending.

4. Commerce. to grant an extension of time, for payment or performance, to (a person, company, etc.) or on (a bill, note, etc.).

indulge

/ ɪnˈdʌldʒ /

verb

1. whenintr, often foll by in to yield to or gratify (a whim or desire for)

   to indulge a desire for new clothes

   to indulge in new clothes

2. tr to yield to the wishes of; pamper

   to indulge a child

3. tr to allow oneself the pleasure of something

   at Christmas he liked to indulge himself

4. tr commerce to allow (a debtor) an extension of time for payment of (a bill, etc)
5. informal.
   intr to take alcoholic drink, esp to excess

Derived Forms

• inˈdulgingly, adverb
• inˈdulger, noun

Other Words From

• in·dulg·er noun
• pre·in·dulge verb (used with object) preindulged preindulging
• qua·si-in·dulged adjective
• re·in·dulge verb reindulged reindulging
• un·in·dulged adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of indulge¹

First recorded in 1630–40; from Latin indulgēre “to be lenient toward, to accede, to take pleasure in”

Word History and Origins

Origin of indulge¹

C17: from Latin indulgēre to concede, from -dulgēre, probably related to Greek dolikhos long, Gothic tulgus firm

Synonym Study

See humor.

Example Sentences

Actually, indulge me one last time as I note Scott’s response to that question in a recent interview: “Dude, if you can build a Colosseum, you can flood it with f— water. Are you joking? And to get a couple of sharks in a net from the sea, are you kidding? Of course they can.”

From Los Angeles Times

The end result is a clear, unscented, biodegradable liquid about the viscosity of baby oil that allows you to indulge in a little guilty pleasure without feeling guilty about the environment.

From Los Angeles Times

As my daughters often remind me, it's perfectly fine to indulge every now and then in a few tricks and treats.

From Salon

Whether you grab a cocktail and admire the view or indulge in a full dinner, you won’t be disappointed.

From Salon

Indulge in a nap In the afternoon, I’ll take my Sunday nap.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• entertain
• nourish
• pamper
• satiate
• satisfy
• spoil
• take care of
• tickle