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View synonyms for

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 by in ):

    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: ,

  3. to allow (oneself ) to follow one's will (usually followed by in ):

    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

/ ɪˈʌ /

verb

  1. whenintr, 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

  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
“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
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Derived Forms

  • ˈܱԲ, adverb
  • ˈܱ, noun
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Other Word Forms

  • ·ܱ· noun
  • ··ܱ verb (used with object) preindulged preindulging
  • ܲ·-·ܱ adjective
  • ··ܱ verb reindulged reindulging
  • ܲ··ܱ adjective
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Word History and Origins

Origin of indulge1

First recorded in 1630–40; from Latin Իܱŧ “to be lenient toward, to accede, to take pleasure in”
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Word History and Origins

Origin of indulge1

C17: from Latin Իܱŧ to concede, from -ܱŧ, probably related to Greek dolikhos long, Gothic tulgus firm
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Synonym Study

See humor.
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Example Sentences

Examples have not been reviewed.

He indulges in his compulsions to escape from his own discomfort, and consistently blames his actions on his current love interest.

From

The Housewives let audiences immerse themselves in the 90210 fantasy before leaving through the golden gates of Beverly Hills to indulge in the familiar drama of real-life service workers.

From

Levin says it was a win-win, as running a sandwich shop is more economical than a restaurant, and diners can still indulge in quality food without exorbitant prices.

From

I grew up in a seafood-loving household, so I’m no stranger when it comes to indulging in fish, shrimp, crab and anything else that comes fresh out of the sea.

From

It can be tempting to prioritize our joy, and for many people, that joy translates to indulging in the “Harry Potter” fandom.

From

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in due courseindulgence