verb

overindulge

oh-vuh-in-DULJ

Overindulge (verb) means to have too much of something enjoyable, especially food or alcohol. Example: “We rather overindulged at the buffet.”

verb

To have too much of something enjoyable, especially food or alcohol.

"We rather overindulged at the buffet."

"He overindulged on Christmas Eve and paid for it the next morning."

To give someone, especially a child, far more attention, treats or leeway than is good for them.

"Grandparents are allowed to overindulge the children a little."

How to use overindulge

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishTo have far too much of something nice.

When to use it

Neutral, slightly formal, often gently humorous about oneself.

Memory tip

Use 'in' for the substance — overindulge in cheese — and no preposition for a person — overindulge the dog.

Trace the full origin ↓

Easily confused with

indulge → binge → overdo →

Common pairings

overindulge in overindulge at Christmas overindulgent parent overindulge a child

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We rather _____ at the buffet.

Etymology

From over- plus indulge, which comes via Latin indulgere, meaning to be lenient or to give free rein to.

Origin: English

Synonyms

View more →

overdo it binge gorge go overboard spoil pamper coddle

Antonyms

abstain moderate hold back discipline restrain

Related words

control field stuff train condition slow limit valley

Rhymes for overindulge

bulge indulge divulge

See all rhymes for overindulge →

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between overindulge and binge?

Overindulge suggests pleasant excess, usually on a single occasion and often said with mild self-mockery. Binge is stronger and more clinical, implying loss of control and, in medical contexts, a recognised pattern of behaviour.

Is overindulge one word or hyphenated?

One word: overindulge, overindulgent, overindulgence. The hyphenated over-indulge appears in older British texts but is no longer the standard form.

What is the meaning of overindulge?

"overindulge" (verb) means to have too much of something enjoyable, especially food or alcohol.

What is another word for overindulge?

Other words for "overindulge" include overdo it, binge, gorge, go overboard, spoil, pamper.

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