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.
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.).
Origin of indulge
First recorded in 1630–40,indulge is from the Latin word indulgēre to be lenient (toward), accede, take pleasure (in)
Related formsin·dulg·er, nounin·dulg·ing·ly, adverbpre·in·dulge, verb (used with object),pre·in·dulged,pre·in·dulg·ing.qua·si-in·dulged, adjectivere·in·dulge, verb,re·in·dulged,re·in·dulg·ing.un·in·dulged, adjectiveun·in·dulg·ing, adjective
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.
