Indulge
/ɪnˈdʌldʒ/
Definitions
2 meaningsTo allow oneself to enjoy the pleasure of something; to give way to a desire.
/ɪnˈdʌldʒ/
To allow oneself to enjoy the pleasure of.
The grandparents always indulged their grandchildren with presents.
💡 Simply: Imagine you've been working hard all week. Indulge means treating yourself – like having a big piece of cake or watching your favorite show. It's about enjoying something you like!
👶 For kids: To let yourself have or do something you want, like eating a yummy treat!
More Examples
I allowed myself to indulge in a second helping of dessert.
After weeks of dieting, she decided to indulge in a cheat meal.
He indulged his curiosity by asking a lot of questions.
How It's Used
"She indulged in a long, hot bath after a stressful day."
"He indulged in a rich chocolate cake."
To allow someone to have or do something, even if it is not necessarily good for them.
/ɪnˈdʌldʒ/
To allow someone to have or do something they want.
She always indulged her students' questions, even the silly ones.
💡 Simply: Imagine your friend REALLY wants to eat candy, even though they've had a lot already. Indulge also means letting them do it, even if it might not be the best idea.
👶 For kids: To let someone have or do something they really, really want, even if it's not the best thing.
More Examples
The company indulged its employees' request for a flexible work schedule.
He indulged his cat's habit of sleeping on the couch.
Don't indulge the child by giving her everything she wants.
How It's Used
"Parents should not always indulge their children's every whim."
"He indulged his friend's bad habits by not confronting them."
Idioms & expressions
indulge in (something)
To allow oneself to have or do something enjoyable, often something considered a luxury or pleasure.
"She decided to indulge in a day at the spa."
indulge your senses
To experience pleasures that stimulate the senses (sight, smell, taste, touch, hearing).
"The resort allowed visitors to indulge their senses with its breathtaking views and delicious cuisine."
From Latin indulgere, meaning 'to be lenient, yield to'. It entered English in the late 14th century.
The word has been used to describe both self-gratification and a lenient attitude toward others since the 14th century.
Memory tip
Imagine you're at a buffet (Indulge Buffet). You allow yourself to eat all the delicious food (pleasure) without holding back (desire).