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indulge

verb C1 Formal

Meaning

To indulge means to allow oneself or another person to enjoy a desire or pleasure, often to an excessive degree, thereby prioritizing personal gratification over moderation or restraint; it can also imply yielding to the whims or preferences of others, so
💡 While "indulge" often carries a connotation of excess, it can also be used in a more neutral sense to describe the act of granting oneself or others a deserved pleasure, making context essential for understanding the intended nuance.

Example Sentences

Managers should not indulge in unnecessary expenses to improve profits .
Researchers often indulge in extensive literature reviews before experiments .
She decided to indulge in a quiet afternoon with a book .
She decided to indulge in a rare moment of relaxation .

Word in Context

After a long week of meetings and strict deadlines , Lara arrived home determined to unwind and savour something simple . She decided to indulge in a small portion of chocolate mousse , aware that doing so too often would erode her habit of moderation . As she sat by the window , the slow ritual of stirring , tasting and setting the plate down calmed her more effectively than any television show . Although she occasionally allowed herself this luxury , she also made a point of noting how the taste and texture seemed more enjoyable when eaten mindfully rather than rushed . By the time she cleared the dish and made a cup of tea , the small , deliberate pleasure had restored her sense of balance and readiness to face Monday's tasks again .

Common Phrases

indulge in indulge one's whims indulge the desires of

Synonyms

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