Word Explorer
Children's
Dictionary Suite
Help
Help
Help
 
       

in·dulge

indulge

 
 
pronunciation:
ihn duhlj
parts of speech:
intransitive verb, transitive verb
part of speech: intransitive verb
inflections: indulges, indulging, indulged
definition: to yield to or gratify a desire, appetite, or whim (usu. fol. by "in").
We were avoiding desserts generally, but the weather was so hot that we indulged in some ice cream.
synonyms:
cater, luxuriate
antonyms:
abstain
similar words:
overindulge, pleasure, splurge, wallow, yield
 
part of speech: transitive verb
definition 1: to yield to or gratify (a desire, appetite, or whim).
I sometimes indulge a desire to take a nap in my office in the afternoon.
synonyms:
favor, gratify
similar words:
fulfill, humor, spoil
definition 2: to allow (oneself or another) to have what is desired even if the desire is capricious, unhealthy, or excessive.
She was forever asking me for money, and because I loved her, I indulged her.Those children are spoiled because their parents constantly indulge them.
synonyms:
bear with, coddle, gratify, pamper, pander to
similar words:
appease, dote, humor, overindulge, permit, tolerate
derivation: indulgingly (adv.)