plural indulgences
1
: the behavior or attitude of people who allow themselves to do what they want or who allow other people to do what they want
She lived a life of selfish indulgence.
They treated the sick boy with indulgence. = They showed great indulgence toward the sick boy.
Ladies and gentlemen, I ask your indulgence [=patience] for a moment while my assistant prepares the next act.
2
: the act of doing something that you enjoy but that is usually thought of as wrong or unhealthy
his indulgence in forbidden pleasures
3
: something that is done or enjoyed as a special pleasure
She found that she couldn't afford the indulgences she had once enjoyed.
For our anniversary we allowed ourselves the indulgence of an elegant dinner at our favorite restaurant.
Good food is my only indulgence.
Cite this Entry
“Indulgence.” Merriam-Webster.com Simple Definition, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/simple/indulgence. Accessed 1 Aug. 2026.
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