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indulge

[in-duhlj]

||

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verb (used without object), in·dulged, in·dulg·ing.

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.).

Nearby words

Origin of indulge

First recorded in 1630–40, indulge is from the Latin word indulgēre to be lenient (toward), accede, take pleasure (in)

SYNONYMS FOR indulge

3. pamper, favor. See humor.

SEE MORE SYNONYMS FOR indulge ON THESAURUS.COM

Related forms

in·dulg·er, nounin·dulg·ing·ly, adverbpre·in·dulge, verb (used with object), pre·in·dulged, pre·in·dulg·ing.qua·si-in·dulged, adjective

re·in·dulge, verb, re·in·dulged, re·in·dulg·ing.un·in·dulged, adjectiveun·in·dulg·ing, adjective

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

Examples from the Web for indulge

We indulge in expensive cold-pressed juices and SoulCycle classes, justifying these purchases as investments in our health.
How Taryn Toomey’s ‘The Class’ Became New York’s Latest Fitness Craze|Lizzie Crocker|January 9, 2015|DAILY BEAST
The more we appease, the more we indulge, the more emboldened the enemies of freedom become.
Ayaan Hirsi Ali: Our Duty Is to Keep Charlie Hebdo Alive|Ayaan Hirsi Ali|January 8, 2015|DAILY BEAST
Miller says her service allows men to indulge their basest fantasies.
Sex, Suicide, and Homework: The Secret World of the Telephone Hotline|Tim Teeman|November 20, 2014|DAILY BEAST
These grisly images drew a huge audience, and allowed that audience to indulge in righteous indignation.
How the Media Failed to Nail the NFL|Steve Almond|October 19, 2014|DAILY BEAST

Real-world profilers have to be careful, and are, not to indulge in facile ethnic, racial or religious “profiling.”
Inside the Mind of an ISIS Jihadi|Jamie Dettmer|September 21, 2014|DAILY BEAST
We have not time or inclination to indulge in fanciful troubles until we have got rid of our real misfortunes.
Idle Thoughts of an Idle Fellow|Jerome K. Jerome
She had small chance to indulge in reflection, for at her first self-conscious move he reached swiftly and caught her hand.
North of Fifty-Three|Bertrand W. Sinclair
In this manner did he indulge in the wild and uncouth glee of a savage as ferocious as he was powerful.
The Dead Boxer|William Carleton
I was a confirmed grumbler, too; but he never let me indulge my discontent.
Through Three Campaigns|G. A. Henty
Robert always saluted the mate, and Haley responded by a nod, or a cool good-morning, but did not indulge in any conversation.
Brave and Bold|Horatio Alger

British Dictionary definitions for indulge

indulge

verb

(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

Derived Formsindulger, nounindulgingly, adverb

Word Origin for indulge

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

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.

Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper