overindulge

verb

over·​in·​dulge ˌō-vər-in-ˈdəlj 

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

Whether overindulging in drugs and alcohol or seriously injuring himself after speeding through a stop sign on his Harley Davidson, there have been more than a few moments to warrant reflection. —Melissa Ruggieri, USA Today, 30 Apr. 2025

For decades, doctors have warned Americans not to overindulge in fast food. —Sarah Boden, NPR, 14 Mar. 2025

The watchful eye of that Minerva marble statue nearby might just keep you from overindulging. —Nicole Hoey, Robb Report, 11 Apr. 2025

Don’t overindulge Drowning your sorrows in a gallon of ice cream or a fifth of liquor is a post-breakup cliché. —Tribune News Service, San Diego Union-Tribune, 28 Jan. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1851, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for overindulge

• bulge
• divulge
• indulge