indulge
UK: ɪnˈdʌldʒ | US: ɪnˈdʌldʒ
vt. to allow oneself or someone else to enjoy something desired, often excessively
vt. to yield to or satisfy a desire or whim
vi. to engage in something pleasurable without restraint
indulge = in<toward> + dulge<to be kind/yield>
- in (Latin prefix): "toward, into" (implying direction or focus)
- dulge (from Latin indulgēre): "to be kind, yield, grant" (root meaning softened to imply leniency or pleasure)
Etymology Origin:
Derived from Latin indulgēre ("to be kind, yield to"), indulge originally carried a sense of granting favor or leniency. Over time, it shifted toward permitting excessive enjoyment, reflecting a cultural association between kindness and allowing pleasure. The prefix in- emphasizes the directed action (toward yielding), while -dulge retains its core idea of softness or concession.
She decided to indulge in a piece of chocolate cake after dinner.
Parents sometimes indulge their children with extra screen time.
He rarely indulges his love for travel due to work commitments.
The spa offers treatments to indulge guests in relaxation.
Critics argue that modern society indulges too much in instant gratification.