indulge

Everyday

1. To let yourself do or have something you enjoy, especially as a treat: indulge in chocolate. tree →
2. To let someone have whatever they want, even when it's not good for them: to indulge a child. tree →
3. To allow and go along with someone's interest or wish: indulge his curiosity. tree →
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 →

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 →
• Grandma indulges us with sweets when we visit. tree →
• Go on, indulge yourself — you've earned it. tree →
• Mum indulged my curiosity and let me take the clock apart. tree →
• Don't indulge the puppy every time it begs. tree →
• Martin Luther protested against the selling of indulgences. tree →
• Rudy, as usual, had plenty of courage, and indulged in pleasant thoughts of the favorable answer he should receive that evening. tree →

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 →

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.