indulge

[ in-duhlj ]
/ ɪnˈdʌldʒ /

verb (used without object), in·dulged, in·dulg·ing.

to yield to an inclination or desire; allow oneself to follow one's will (often followed by in): Dessert came, but I didn't indulge. They indulged in unbelievable shopping sprees.

verb (used with object), in·dulged, in·dulg·ing.

to yield to, satisfy, or gratify (desires, feelings, etc.): to indulge one's appetite for sweets.
to yield to the wishes or whims of; be lenient or permissive with: to indulge a child.
to allow (oneself) to follow one's will (usually followed by in): to indulge oneself in reckless spending.
Commerce. to grant an extension of time, for payment or performance, to (a person, company, etc.) or on (a bill, note, etc.).

VIDEO FOR INDULGE

WATCH NOW: Is "Indulge" A Positive Or Negative Word?

"Indulge" actually started off as a good thing ... so what is it now?

MORE VIDEOS FROM DICTIONARY.COM

Origin of indulge

First recorded in 1630–40, indulge is from the Latin word indulgēre to be lenient (toward), accede, take pleasure (in)

OTHER WORDS FROM indulge

Example sentences from the Web for indulge

British Dictionary definitions for indulge

indulge
/ (ɪnˈdʌldʒ) /

verb

(when intr, often foll by in) to yield to or gratify (a whim or desire for) to indulge a desire for new clothes; to indulge in new clothes
(tr) to yield to the wishes of; pamper to indulge a child
(tr) to allow oneself the pleasure of something at Christmas he liked to indulge himself
(tr) commerce to allow (a debtor) an extension of time for payment of (a bill, etc)
(intr) informal to take alcoholic drink, esp to excess

Derived forms of indulge

indulger, noun indulgingly, adverb

Word Origin for indulge

C17: from Latin indulgēre to concede, from -dulgēre, probably related to Greek dolikhos long, Gothic tulgus firm