indulging

[in-duhl-jing]

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.

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of indulging¹

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

After making it back to the car and indulging in a few sips, she declares, “It feels like I have my personality back. That was quite an authentic experience.”

Read more on Los Angeles Times

I started identifying as a writer and began my journey into being an amateur snob, saying things like, “I don’t eat McDonald’s — I guffaw at the idea of a person indulging in McDonald’s!”

Read more on Salon

But he also made headlines for indulging in one of the nation's favorite pairings -- fried chicken and beer, known as "chimaek".

Read more on Barron's

Each candy embodies the joy of indulging in sugary confections.

Read more on Salon

After she goes to sleep, indulging in a nice book or some content, getting some quiet time, catching up with my husband and going to sleep.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

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