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

Finally, indulge me in this deep cut for one of the year’s best movies, Payal Kapadia’s evocative “All We Imagine as Light,” winner of the Grand Prix at Cannes.

From Los Angeles Times

They indulge in the kind of low-key thoughtful discussion rarely seen on TV or streaming.

From Los Angeles Times

“Precise and circumspect, with an avuncular demeanor and an authoritative voice .... Summerall indulged his partner’s many appetites and asides, even when that meant being elbowed aside at the mike and in the limelight.”

From Los Angeles Times

A few liberals, in the hours after the election, indulged conspiratorial explanations for why Harris underperformed compared to Biden’s 2020 victory, but none with any stature and certainly none who hold higher elected office.

From Salon

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

Related Words

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