indulge
[in-duhlj]
- 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.
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- to yield to, satisfy, or gratify (desires, feelings, etc.): to indulge one's appetite for sweets.
- to yield to the wishes or whims of; be lenient or permissive with: to indulge a child.
- to allow (oneself) to follow one's will (usually followed by in): to indulge oneself in reckless spending.
- Commerce. to grant an extension of time, for payment or performance, to (a person, company, etc.) or on (a bill, note, etc.).
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Origin of indulge
First recorded in 1630–40, indulge is from the Latin word indulgēre to be lenient (toward), accede, take pleasure (in)
Synonyms
See more synonyms for on Thesaurus.comDictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2018
Related Words
satisfysatiatenourishpampertickleentertainspoilpandergratifyhumorobligeregalepetpleasecossetyielddelightfavorfostercaterExamples from the Web for indulge
Contemporary Examples
We indulge in expensive cold-pressed juices and SoulCycle classes, justifying these purchases as investments in our health.
The more we appease, the more we indulge, the more emboldened the enemies of freedom become.
Miller says her service allows men to indulge their basest fantasies.
These grisly images drew a huge audience, and allowed that audience to indulge in righteous indignation.
Real-world profilers have to be careful, and are, not to indulge in facile ethnic, racial or religious “profiling.”
Historical Examples
He had no right in his high capacity to indulge a personal affection.
If you have any loud conversation to indulge in, do it while the play is going on.
He was even able to indulge himself in a quiet, sobering grin at his own folly.
The Black BagLouis Joseph Vance
He was just the sort of man to indulge in irony for his own satisfaction.
The Slave Of The LampHenry Seton Merriman
Pinalties there are in plinty; still those who can afford should indulge.
Tales And Novels, Volume 8 (of 10)Maria Edgeworth
indulge
- (when intr, 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
- (tr) to yield to the wishes of; pamperto indulge a child
- (tr) to allow oneself the pleasure of somethingat Christmas he liked to indulge himself
- (tr) commerce to allow (a debtor) an extension of time for payment of (a bill, etc)
- (intr) informal to take alcoholic drink, esp to excess
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Word Origin
C17: from Latin indulgēre to concede, from -dulgēre, probably related to Greek dolikhos long, Gothic tulgus firm
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
© William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins
Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
Word Origin and History for indulge
v.
1630s, "to grant as a favor;" 1650s, of both persons and desires, "to treat with unearned favor;" a back-formation from indulgence, or else from Latin indulgere "to be complaisant." Related: Indulged; indulging.
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Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper