overindulge

verb

over·​in·​dulge ˌō-vər-in-ˈdəlj How to pronounce overindulge (audio)
overindulged; overindulging
: to indulge (someone, or something) too much: such as
a
transitive : to be too permissive with (someone)
They overindulged their grandchildren.
: to allow (oneself or another person) to have or do something to excess
For years he had overindulged himself in food, drink, and finally worry.Sean Dennis Cashman
b
transitive : to yield too much to (something, such as a feeling, interest, or desire)
overindulged their children's whims
Already I had the uneasy feeling that I was overindulging that middle-aged longing for an epiphany …John Gregory Dunne
… it was felt … that in these two books Dickens had overindulged his liking for grotesque exaggeration and caricature.Michael Hollington
c
intransitive : to indulge too much
especially : to have or do too much of something that one enjoys or desires
… probably enjoyed drinking and likely overindulged on occasion … Corey Andrews
Other studies are shedding light not just on why modern humans occasionally eat too much, but why, when we do overindulge, we often choose foods that aren't the best for us. Paul Raeburn
Doctors who know better still overindulge in sweets … Nick Romeo
Occasionally … overindulges in long reminiscences of sports and school days … Helen Benedict

Examples of overindulge in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
People overindulge when something is offered with little cost or consequence. Barry Cousins, Forbes, 28 Oct. 2024 Rohit doesn’t overindulge the positive Bazball messaging. Tim Ellis, Forbes, 21 Oct. 2024 Another big challenge is finding a comfortable balance that doesn't set you up to overindulge in refined carbs on higher-carb days because doing so can counteract the potential benefits of ketosis. Elizabeth Barnes, Verywell Health, 15 Oct. 2024 Here's What Mars in Gemini Square Neptune in Pisces Means for Your Zodiac Sign Aries (March 21-April 19) Try not to overindulge, Aries. Valerie Mesa, Peoplemag, 5 Sep. 2024 See all Example Sentences for overindulge 

Word History

First Known Use

1851, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of overindulge was in 1851

Dictionary Entries Near overindulge

Cite this Entry

“Overindulge.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/overindulge. Accessed 23 Nov. 2024.

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