indulging

American  

[in-duhl-jing] / ɪnˈdʌl dʒɪŋ /

adjective

1. yielding to an inclination or desire, as by eating or drinking, engaging in a pleasurable activity, etc..

   The chocolaty sweetness in this zucchini loaf makes it perfect for the indulging dieter and fussy eater alike.

2. yielding to someone’s wishes or whims in a lenient or permissive way; indulgent.

   The menu was quite extensive, and the indulging father let his children order whatever they wanted.

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noun

1. the act of yielding to one’s own or another’s inclination, desire, or whim; indulgence.

   The primary consequence of the indulging of greed is an increase of greed.

Other Word Forms

• indulgingly
  adverb
• unindulging
  adjective

Etymology

Origin of indulging

First recorded in 1660–70; indulge ( def. ) + -ing ² ( def. ) for the adjective senses; indulge ( def. ) + -ing ¹ ( def. ) for the noun sense

Example Sentences

Indulging in niche snacks provides Bernadette with some semblance of power.

From MarketWatch • Jan. 25, 2026

Indulging in stories about threats is a frighteningly effective and valuable strategy.

From Scientific American • Oct. 20, 2023

Indulging in a bit of fun over the on-the-nose drama of it all, the tourists were able to leave the estate on Friday evening once local rescue services cleared the road.

From Salon • Jul. 16, 2023

Indulging in those kinds of adventures gives her that feeling of being rich, even though they aren’t costly.

From Seattle Times • Aug. 1, 2022

Indulging my grandfather’s obsession with them had made me worse, not better.

From "Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children" by Ransom Riggs

Related Words

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