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 To him, the question of why British youngsters overindulge in Magaluf isn’t a mystery. David Segal, New York Times, 20 Aug. 2023 This approach allows individuals to assess their sensitivity and determine what dosage works best for them without overindulging. Amber Smith, Discover Magazine, 15 Aug. 2023 Plus, they are individually portioned so there's no need to worry about overindulging in them. Amber Smith, Discover Magazine, 6 Mar. 2023 Starting Grid Guide Barker said there's always fans who overindulge or become too boisterous. Morgan Womack, The Indianapolis Star, 25 May 2023 Meanwhile, Anders Holm and Brett Dier play the Collinses’ overindulged sons Lucky and Doug, whose decadent self-indulgence further underscores Sebastian’s ambition and drive when not generating some easy laughs at their expense. Todd Gilchrist, Variety, 24 May 2023 Up your fiber intake: Eating fiber-rich foods will keep you fuller longer, and prevent you from mindlessly snacking throughout the day or overindulging at mealtime. Nicole Blades, Women's Health, 13 Apr. 2023 The piece details the months following the attack as well, becoming a testament to the boys’ resilience, Hockensmith tracing their road to recovery without overindulging in sentiment. Longreads, 17 Mar. 2023 Protein powders designed specifically to meet the needs of those on this diet provide a convenient way to hit daily protein goals without overindulging in carbohydrates. Amber Smith, Discover Magazine, 17 Mar. 2023 See More

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'overindulge.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

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 28 Sep. 2023.

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