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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
That said, don’t overindulge, drink too much, or dominate a party game with your pathological need to win. Dev Patnaik, Forbes.com, 15 July 2025 There is much to consider for Alonso, who must find a way to harness the talents of Bellingham, Mbappe, Vinicius Jr and others without overindulging them. Oliver Kay, New York Times, 9 July 2025 Rockman is the place for exceptions on just about everything you’re not supposed to overindulge in. Ana Gutierrez, Austin American Statesman, 2 July 2025 What happens if a pot cafe patron overindulges in some Blue Dream, starts to drive home and crashes into another car, building, or pedestrian? Boston Herald Editorial Staff, Boston Herald, 20 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for overindulge

Word History

First Known Use

1851, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of overindulge was in 1851

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Cite this Entry

“Overindulge.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/overindulge. Accessed 30 Jul. 2025.

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