Indulge

(in-dŭlj’), v. t. [imp. & p. p. INDULGED; p. pr. & vb. n. INDULGING.] [Lat. indulgere, to be kind or tender to one; from prefix in and dulcis, sweet, kind; O. It. indulgere.]

1Sense 1. To be complacent toward; to give way to; not to oppose or restrain; when said of a habit, desire, or the like, to give free course to; to give one’s self up to; when said of a person, to yield to the desire of; to gratify by compliance; to humor; to withhold restraint from; as, to indulge sloth, pride, selfishness, or inclinations; to indulge children in amusements.

2Sense 2. To grant as by favor; to bestow in concession, or in compliance with a wish or request. “Persuading us that something must be indulged to public manners.” Bp. Taylor.

Yet, yet a moment, one dim ray of light Indulge, dread Chaos and eternal Night! Pope.

☞ It is remarked by Johnson, that if the matter of indulgence is a single thing, it has with before it; if it is a habit, it has in; as, he indulged himself with a glass of wine; he indulges himself in sloth or intemperance.

Synonyms—To gratify; humor; cherish; foster; harbor; allow; favor. See GRATIFY.

1Sense 1. To indulge one's self; to give way; to give one's self up; to practice a forbidden, or questionable, act without restraint.

Most men are more willing to indulge in easy vices than to practice laborious virtues. Johnson.

2Sense 2. To yield; to comply; to be favorable. [Obs.]