What does overindulge mean?
Overindulge means to indulge excessively in something that gives pleasure, such as food, drink, luxury goods, leisure, or attention. The word is often used when a person consumes or spends far more than is necessary or reasonable, and it commonly carries a mildly disapproving tone. It can also describe allowing someone else to do the same: a generous host might overindulge guests by providing too many choices or treating them too lavishly. Although the word may sound formal, it is widely understood in British and American English. Its prefix over- clarifies the basic meaning of indulge, turning a neutral description of gratification into an accusation or observation of excess. Overindulge is therefore useful when the issue is not merely pleasure, but the way pleasure has been taken to an extreme.
To indulge oneself excessively in food, drink, pleasure, spending, or another activity.
"They overindulged in late-night snacks while watching the film."
The word is generally negative or disapproving and often implies a lack of self-control.
To allow or enable someone to indulge excessively.
"The wealthy aunt overindulged the children with presents and special treats."
This transitive use is less common than the intransitive use but is fully standard.
Overindulge is what happens when a simple pleasure becomes an extravagance.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does overindulge come from?
The word combines the prefix over- with indulge, which comes from Latin indulgere, meaning to allow or grant. Latin indulgere developed into English forms including indulge, indulgent, and indulgence. The compound overindulge uses over- in its established sense of excess, meaning to carry the action of indulgence beyond a suitable or ordinary limit.
Related word forms
How overindulge is actually used
Usually negative or disapproving, although it can describe an indulgent activity without criticism. It is more common in formal and semi-formal English than in casual speech.
Easily confused with overindulge
Indulge means to allow oneself or someone else a pleasure, while overindulge means to do so to an excessive degree.