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.).
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; pamperto indulge a child
- (tr) to allow oneself the pleasure of somethingat 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
1630s, “to grant as a favor;” 1650s, of both persons and desires, “to treat with unearned favor;” a back-formation from indulgence, or else from Latin indulgere “to be complaisant.” Related: Indulged; indulging.