indulge

/ɪnˈdʌldʒ/

Say it: in-DULJ

1. verb To allow yourself to have or do something you enjoy, especially something that is considered a luxury or special treat.
On my birthday, I'm going to indulge in a slice of chocolate cake.
2. verb To allow someone to have or do whatever they want, even if it is not good for them.
He was a talented artist, but his parents indulged his every whim and he never learned discipline.
3. verb To satisfy or give free rein to a particular desire, interest, or feeling.
She took a year off from work to indulge her passion for travel.
4. verb To patiently allow someone to talk about or do something, often as a courtesy.
If you'll indulge me for a moment, I'd like to explain the historical context.

📖 Seen in the wild

After a long week of work, she decided to indulge in a relaxing bubble bath and a good book.
collected by @vocablast

✏️ indulge in a sentence

The company was accused of indulging in unethical accounting practices.
After a stressful week, she indulged herself with a long weekend getaway.
He rarely indulged in nostalgia, preferring to look toward the future.
The grandparents tend to indulge the children far more than the parents do.
Let's not indulge in speculation until we have all the facts.
The novel indulges the reader's love for mystery and suspense.
Please indulge my curiosity: why did you choose that specific color?

🔁 Synonyms & antonyms

pamper spoil gratify humor treat (oneself) give in to sate yield to

pamper · implies providing excessive, almost coddling, comfort and care.

spoil · suggests harming someone's character through overindulgence.

gratify · focuses on the immediate satisfaction of a desire or appetite.

humor · means complying with someone's wishes to keep them happy or avoid conflict.

Opposites: restrain, abstain, deny, stifle, discipline

🌱 Where it comes from

The word 'indulge' comes from the Latin 'indulgere', meaning 'to be kind to, concede, or yield'. It originally carried a sense of granting a favor or being lenient. Over time, this idea of yielding to a request evolved into the modern meaning of yielding to one's own or another's desires, for better or worse.

🧩 How it's used

Common patterns:

indulge a whimindulge in speculationindulge a sweet toothindulge one's curiosityindulge a child

'Indulge' often has a slightly negative connotation, suggesting excess or a lack of self-control. However, when used reflexively ('indulge yourself'), it can be positive, meaning to enjoy a deserved treat. The context is key: indulging a child is often negative (spoiling them), while indulging a passion can be positive (pursuing a hobby).

Word family: indulgence, indulgent, indulgently

💬 Quick answers

What does it mean to 'indulge' someone?

It means allowing someone to have or do what they want, often to an excessive degree. It is very similar to spoiling or pampering them, and can imply that this leniency is not in their best interest.

What is the difference between 'indulge' and 'pamper'?

'Indulge' refers to satisfying any desire, for oneself or others. 'Pamper' is more specific, suggesting luxurious comfort, care, and attention, like being treated at a spa.

Is 'indulge' a negative word?

It can be. Indulging a bad habit or a child's tantrum is negative. However, indulging in a well-deserved treat or indulging one's curiosity is usually seen as neutral or positive.

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