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

It’s tempting to write off NatCon, and Schmitt’s speech in particular, as an example of a bunch of right-wing kooks indulging their little fever dream of creating a white Christian autocracy.

From Salon

I’d spend hours basking under the sun, popping one lychee after another into my mouth, indulging in their syrupy goodness.

From Salon

“It’s basically a generation with spending power indulging nostalgia for their youth,” he says.

From Los Angeles Times

Now, in the absence of more competent advisors, the president is indulging his most dangerous authoritarian impulses.

From Salon

The attendees are usually young people looking to enjoy a night out with friends, indulging in the drama and fun of a traditional Indian wedding without the attendant pressures.

From BBC

Related Words

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