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REFERENCE

indulge

v.
US //ˌɪnˈdəɫdʒ// UK //ɪndˈʌldʒ// in·dulge
  1. 1 to treat yourself (v.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate

    to allow yourself to have or do something that you enjoy, even if it is a bit bad for you.

    to allow oneself to enjoy a particular pleasure, typically one that is considered a luxury or a minor vice.

    Example

    After a long week at work, she decided to indulge in a expensive spa treatment.

    Example

    The vacationers spent the afternoon indulging in local delicacies and vintage wines at the seaside bistro.

    Usage

    Often used with the preposition 'in' followed by a noun or gerund.

    Teacher's tip

    Learners often confuse this with 'treat'. While 'treat' is a simple gift, 'indulge' suggests a deeper surrender to a craving or habit.
    Pitfall
    I indulged to a piece of cake.
    I indulged in a piece of cake.

    When you enjoy a specific thing, use the preposition 'in' after indulge.

  2. 2 to spoil someone (v.)
    C1 Advanced Formal

    to let someone have whatever they want, even if it is not good for their character.

    to yield to the wishes or whims of another person, often to an excessive degree.

    Example

    The grandparents tend to indulge the children with too many toys and sweets.

    Example

    The king's advisors were careful not to indulge his every whim, fearing his erratic temper would destabilise the court.

    Usage

    Transitive; takes a direct object representing the person being indulged.

    Teacher's tip

    In this sense, the word is often used by parents or teachers to describe 'spoiling' a child.
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  1. 3 to allow a habit (v.)
    C1 Advanced Literary

    to give in to a feeling or a habit instead of stopping it.

    to give way to a habit, emotion, or temptation rather than restraining it.

    Example

    He indulged his curiosity and opened the old letter.

    Example

    She allowed herself a moment to indulge her grief before returning to the demands of the funeral arrangements.

    Usage

    Transitive; the object is usually an abstract noun like 'curiosity' or 'grief'.

    Teacher's tip

    This sense is more abstract than eating or shopping; it is about letting a mental state take over.
Origin

From Latin indulgeō (“to indulge”).

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