1. Meaning of the Word:
“Indulge” refers to the act of allowing oneself or others to enjoy something, often in a way that is considered excessive or overly self-gratifying. It can also mean to give in to desires or to treat someone with leniency or favor.
2. Definitions and Meaning in English:
- Indulge (verb):
- To allow oneself or someone else to enjoy something that is usually considered a treat or luxury, often to an excessive degree.
- To give in to or gratify one’s desires, feelings, or impulses.
- To be lenient or tolerant towards someone’s behavior, often allowing them to overstep limits.
3. History and Origin:
The word “indulge” comes from the Latin indulgere, which means “to be kind, yield to, or forgive.” The term evolved through Old French and Middle English, where it came to be associated with allowing someone to enjoy something that they desire, especially without restrictions.
4. Detailed Explanation:
“Indulge” is most often used to describe actions where people give themselves or others permission to enjoy something that is not essential, such as a treat or a luxury. For example, indulging in a rich dessert means allowing oneself to enjoy it, even though it may not be necessary for sustenance.
Indulgence can also be seen in the context of behaviors, where one gives in to desires or impulses without restraint. It can be both positive (such as indulging in a hobby) or negative (such as indulging in unhealthy habits).
In another sense, to indulge someone means to treat them with kindness or leniency, often permitting them to behave in ways that might be considered excessive or unreasonable, out of a desire to please or avoid conflict.
5. Example Sentences:
- After a long week of work, she decided to indulge in a relaxing spa day.
- He couldn’t resist indulging in his favorite chocolate cake on his birthday.
- The parents tended to indulge their child, letting him stay up late and eat junk food.
- They indulged in a bit of luxury by booking a suite at the most expensive hotel in town.
- Sometimes it’s good to indulge yourself with a treat, but moderation is key.
- She indulged her curiosity and spent hours reading about the history of the ancient civilization.
- The company indulged its employees with a lavish holiday party to celebrate the year’s success.
- He had a tendency to indulge in his emotions, often letting his anger get the best of him.
- To stay healthy, it’s important not to indulge too frequently in unhealthy foods.
6. Synonyms with Short Explanation:
- Pamper – To treat with excessive care or indulgence, similar to “indulge” in the sense of over-treating oneself or others.
- Savor – To enjoy something deeply and fully, often in a way that indicates indulgence in the pleasure it brings.
- Gratify – To fulfill one’s desires or wishes, often by indulging in something enjoyable.
- Spoil – To indulge to the point of excess, often used in the context of treating someone with too much leniency or luxury.
- Luxuriate – To indulge in comfort or luxury, often in an extravagant or excessive manner.
7. Related Words with Short Explanation:
- Decadence – The indulgence in luxurious or excessive pleasures, often with negative connotations of self-indulgence.
- Excess – Going beyond what is necessary, often linked with indulgence in things that are considered unnecessary or overly indulgent.
- Revel – To take great pleasure or delight in something, similar to indulging in a pleasurable experience.
- Gratification – The satisfaction or pleasure obtained from indulgence or fulfilling desires.
- Indulgence (noun) – The act of indulging; often referring to a treat or luxury granted to oneself or someone else.
8. More Matches with Short Explanation:
- Overindulge – To indulge excessively, often leading to negative consequences like health issues or lack of self-control.
- Treat – A special indulgence or reward, typically used to describe a minor indulgence.
- Binge – To indulge excessively in something (like eating or drinking), typically in a short period of time.
- Indulgent – Describes a person who is lenient and permissive, often allowing indulgence or self-gratification.
- Self-indulgence – The act of gratifying one’s own desires or whims without restraint.
9. Antonyms:
- Restrain – To hold back or limit oneself, opposite of indulging in desires or pleasures.
- Deprive – To prevent someone from having or enjoying something, the opposite of indulging.
- Discipline – The practice of controlling one’s desires and actions, as opposed to indulging in excess.
- Forbid – To prohibit something, particularly indulgent behavior, such as eating unhealthy food.
- Abstain – To deliberately avoid indulging in something, particularly from things that may be harmful or excessive.