verb · neutral
indulge
/ɪnˈdʌldʒ/in·DULGE
to allow oneself to enjoy something, especially something considered bad for you
Examples
“On special occasions I indulge in a big slice of cake.”
“Parents sometimes indulge their children with too many treats.”
“She doesn't often shop, but every now and then she indulges herself.”
Band 8 sentence
“While occasional indulgence in comfort food can boost morale, habitual overindulgence may harm long‑term health.”
Collocations
- indulge in
- indulge oneself
- cannot help but indulge
Word family
Common mistakes
"I indulge chocolate every day."→"I indulge in chocolate every day."
"She indulges herself to buy new shoes."→"She indulges herself by buying new shoes."
Say it for a higher band
5treat→6spoil→7+indulge
Synonyms
treat oneself
pamper
Easily confused
treat (oneself)
“Sometimes I indulge in a large chocolate bar as a weekend treat.”
Related words
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In Free time & Hobbies
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