Indulge
To yield to or gratify a desire, especially by allowing oneself or someone else to enjoy a pleasure; to pamper or humor.
verbIndulge
To yield to or gratify a desire, especially by allowing oneself or someone else to enjoy a pleasure; to pamper or humor.
verbImagine This
Imagine walking past a bakery after a very busy day. You tell yourself you’ll pass, but you decide to indulge and savor a rich chocolate croissant, letting the sweetness melt away your stress.
Sounds Like
in-DUHLJ
Looks Like
resembles related words such as indulgence and indulgent
Remember This
Indulge is often followed by in (indulge in a dessert, indulge in a hobby) or by someone (indulge someone's wishes). It can carry a positive sense of self-care or a warning against overindulgence.
Other Forms
Connect With
gratify, pamper, humor, leniency, self-indulgence
Note
distinction: indulge means to grant pleasure or leniency, whereas to refrain or deny would be the opposite. Be careful not to overindulge, which can carry a negative connotation of excess.
Study Deeper
- After dieting all week, she decided to indulge in a slice of chocolate cake.
- Parents should not indulge every whim of their children.
From Latin indulgere 'to be lenient toward', from in- 'toward' + dolere 'to grieve' (or suffer); the sense evolved to mean granting a favor or pleasure.
Mnemonic: Remember the phrase 'indulge in luxuries'—when you indulge, you allow yourself to enjoy a pleasure.
Next Word
Continue in alphabetical order.
Try a Random Word
Pick any word below to jump in.
Similar Words
Related words and words with the same part of speech.
Abandon
verbTo give up completely, to desert or leave behind, or to relinquish a claim, plan, or responsibility.
Abate
verbTo decrease in amount or intensity; to reduce or end something.
Abolish
verbTo formally end or repeal a system, practice, or institution; to officially put an end to something established.
Abridge
verbTo shorten (a text, speech, or other work) by omitting parts; to condense.
Abscond
verbTo depart secretly or flee, especially to avoid detection or arrest.
Absolve
verbTo free someone from blame or responsibility; to pardon or exonerate.