indulge

INDULGE, verb transitive indulj'. [Latin indulgeo; tolero.] 1. To permit to be or to continue; to suffer; not to restrain or oppose; as, to indulge sloth; to indulge the passions; to indulge pride, selfishness or inclinations. 2. To gratify, negatively; not to check or restrain the will, appetite or desire; as, to indulge children in amusements. 3. To gratify, positively; to grant something not of right, but as a favor; to grant in compliance with wishes or desire. Yet, yet a moment, one dim ray of light INDULGE, dread Chaos and eternal Night! 4. In general, to gratify; to favor; to humor; to yield to the wishes of; to withhold restraint from. 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. He indulged himself with a glass of wine; he indulges himself in sloth or intemperance. INDULGE, verb transitive indulj'. To permit to enjoy or practice; or to yield to the enjoyment or practice of, without restraint or control; as, to indulge in sin, or in sensual pleasure. This form of expression is elliptical, a pronoun being omitted; as, to indulge myself or himself. Most men are more willing to indulge in easy vices, than to practice laborious virtues. 1. To yield; to comply; to be favorable. [Little used.]