indulge

[in-duhlj]

verb (used without object)

indulged, indulging 

1. to yield to an inclination or desire; allow oneself to follow one's will (often followed byin ).

   Dessert came, but I didn't indulge.

   They indulged in unbelievable shopping sprees.

verb (used with object)

indulged, indulging 

1. to yield to, satisfy, or gratify (desires, feelings, etc.).

   to indulge one's appetite for sweets.

2. to yield to the wishes or whims of; be lenient or permissive with.

   to indulge a child.

   Synonyms: favor, pamper

3. to allow (oneself ) to follow one's will (usually followed byin ).

   to indulge oneself in reckless spending.

4. Commerce.,  to grant an extension of time, for payment or performance, to (a person, company, etc.) or on (a bill, note, etc.).

indulge

/ ɪnˈdʌldʒ /

verb

1. to yield to or gratify (a whim or desire for)

   to indulge a desire for new clothes

   to indulge in new clothes

2. (tr) to yield to the wishes of; pamper

   to indulge a child

3. (tr) to allow oneself the pleasure of something

   at Christmas he liked to indulge himself

4. (tr) commerce to allow (a debtor) an extension of time for payment of (a bill, etc)

5. informal,  (intr) to take alcoholic drink, esp to excess

Other Word Forms

• indulgingly adverb
• indulger noun
• preindulge verb (used with object)
• quasi-indulged adjective
• reindulge verb
• unindulged adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of indulge¹

First recorded in 1630–40; from Latin indulgēre “to be lenient toward, to accede, to take pleasure in”

Word History and Origins

Origin of indulge¹

C17: from Latin indulgēre to concede, from -dulgēre, probably related to Greek dolikhos long, Gothic tulgus firm

Synonym Study

See humor.

Example Sentences

Liu does indulge in the prolonging of heartache and indecision, and the story stalls while heading into the third act, the film stretched beyond what the material can sustain.

From Los Angeles Times

When I got the job on “Leanne,” I decided to treat myself and indulge in some furniture, but I’m particular about it.

From Los Angeles Times

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

From Los Angeles Times

The emerging star also patiently indulged every autograph request while eating or walking down the street, as giving with his time around strangers as he was around teammates and friends.

From Los Angeles Times

It’s why Tino indulged every customer, both nasty and agreeable, while working his college summers as a bus boy and waiter at Bella Notte, the family restaurant in Pittsburgh known for its shredded pepperoni pizzas.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

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