Word

indulge

verb C1

/ɪnˈdʌld͡ʒ/

Meanings

verb

to allow yourself to enjoy something, especially as a treat or in excess

verb

to give someone what they want or to be too lenient with them

Image generation queued.

Definition

To indulge means to allow yourself or someone else to enjoy something, often more than is necessary or sensible.

To indulge is to let yourself have or do something pleasurable, especially when it feels like a treat or a luxury. You can also indulge another person by giving them what they want or being overly lenient. The word often suggests going beyond what is strictly needed or advisable.

Examples

I indulge in a long walk after a demanding week to clear my head.
You shouldn’t indulge every impulse when you’re trying to stay focused on your goals.
He tends to indulge his team by extending deadlines, even when the project is already behind.
She decided to indulge herself with a quiet weekend away after months of constant travel.
They indulge their guests with homemade food and attentive conversation throughout the evening.

Common mistake

Learners often confuse "indulge" with "enjoy" and miss the idea of treating yourself or being overly lenient (often more than is necessary).