[Elamur Dictionary](https://md.dictionary.elamur.ai/free/en/) · [this page in HTML](https://dictionary.elamur.ai/free/en/english/indulge/)

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# indulge

verb (indulge, indulges, indulged, indulging); noun «indulgence»

«indulge» in the English dictionary: everyday and in Jewish tradition — its meanings, how the lessons use it, and examples, each with its tree on Mova.

## Everyday

1. To let yourself do or have something you enjoy, especially as a treat: indulge in chocolate. [tree →](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/school/I/indulge/#m1)
2. To let someone have whatever they want, even when it's not good for them: to indulge a child. [tree →](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/school/I/indulge/#m2)
3. To allow and go along with someone's interest or wish: indulge his curiosity. [tree →](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/school/I/indulge/#m3)
4. (church, history) An «indulgence» in the medieval Catholic Church was a release from punishment for sin; selling them was one cause of the Reformation. [tree →](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/school/I/indulge/#m4)

### In the lessons

In everyday life, «indulge» is about treats, cake and spoiling; in PSHE about healthy balance. In history lessons, Martin Luther in 1517 protested against the sale of indulgences. Phrases: indulge in, indulge yourself, indulge a whim, indulge someone.

### Examples

- On my birthday I indulged in a huge slice of cake. [tree →](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/school/I/indulge/#x1)
- Grandma indulges us with sweets when we visit. [tree →](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/school/I/indulge/#x2)
- Go on, indulge yourself — you've earned it. [tree →](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/school/I/indulge/#x3)
- Mum indulged my curiosity and let me take the clock apart. [tree →](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/school/I/indulge/#x4)
- Don't indulge the puppy every time it begs. [tree →](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/school/I/indulge/#x5)
- Martin Luther protested against the selling of indulgences. [tree →](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/school/I/indulge/#x6)
- Rudy, as usual, had plenty of courage, and indulged in pleasant thoughts of the favorable answer he should receive that evening. [tree →](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/school/I/indulge/#x7)

### Note

Often «indulge in» + something. Adjective «indulgent» (too kind, spoiling). Indulging sometimes is fine; too much can be unhealthy. Spelling: i-n-d-u-l-g-e.

## In Jewish tradition

It means to give in to or love using something, here the tongue.

**Interpretation.** Proverbs teaches that speech has great power for good or harm, and people receive the results of their words.

### Examples

- Death and life are in the power of the tongue; and they that indulge it shall eat the fruit thereof. (Writings PRO.18.21, JPS 1917) [tree →](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/judaism/I/indulge/#x1)

### Note

Often «indulge in» + something. Adjective «indulgent» (too kind, spoiling). Indulging sometimes is fine; too much can be unhealthy. Spelling: i-n-d-u-l-g-e.

## On Mova

- [Trees and pragmatics of «indulge» in the school dictionary](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/school/I/indulge/): every meaning and example parsed by Mova, with its dependency tree and frames.
- [«indulge» in the school dictionary](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/dictionaries/school/w/indulge.html) on Mova free.
- [Trees and pragmatics of «indulge» in the Judaism dictionary](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/judaism/I/indulge/): every meaning and example parsed by Mova, with its dependency tree and frames.
- [«indulge» in the Judaism dictionary](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/dictionaries/judaism/w/indulge.html) on Mova free.