indulge
in-DULJ
/ɪnˈdʌldʒ/
To allow oneself to enjoy the pleasure of something; to satisfy a desire or craving.
Implies giving in to a pleasure that might be considered a treat or mild temptation.
The story behind the word. From Latin 'indulgere' meaning to be lenient, grant a favor, or yield to. In medieval times, religious 'indulgences' were formal remissions of punishment, but over centuries the word shifted to personal leniency toward pleasure.
Word relationships
- pamper: Pamper means to treat someone with extreme care and comfort, while indulge focuses on satisfying desires.
- gratify: Gratify means to give pleasure or satisfaction to a specific desire or need.
- abstain: Abstain means deliberately choosing not to partake in a pleasure.
- restrain: Restrain means holding back or controlling desires.
Commonly confused with
- gorge: Indulge means enjoying a treat; gorge implies eating excessively and gluttonously.
Word family
- indulgence (noun): The act of indulging or something enjoyed as a treat.
- indulgent (adjective): Having or indicating a tendency to be lenient or allow pleasure.
Collocations
- indulge in
- indulge a craving
- indulge a passion
- liberally indulge
Idioms & expressions
- indulge one's appetite
Example sentences
- "Vacationers often indulge in rich desserts at the resort's evening buffet." Dining context
- "She took a spa day to indulge her passion for relaxation." Personal luxury
Memory hook
IN-DULGE: IN-side, DELIGHT in guilty pleasures. Inwardly delight by indulging.
When not to use
Do not use when describing fulfilling necessary basic duties or obligations.
Fun facts
- In historical theology, an 'indulgence' was a certificate granted by the church, a concept that sparked Martin Luther's Protestant Reformation.
Also appears in
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