indulges

Indulges is the third-person singular present form of the verb indulge. Indulge means to grant oneself or another person permission to enjoy the pleasures of something, or to yield to a wish or desire. It can also imply being lenient or permissive toward someone, sometimes beyond strict need or obligation.

In everyday usage, indulges commonly appears in phrases such as “she indulges in chocolate after dinner” or “the parents indulge their child’s requests.” Indulgence can refer to acts of self-care or generosity, as well as to permissiveness in parenting, relationships, or consumer behavior. Cultural and social contexts often associate indulgence with luxury, hedonic consumption, or the deliberate enjoyment of favored activities.

Psychologically, indulging can provide immediate gratification and stress relief, but excessive or frequent indulgence may contribute to negative outcomes such as poor self-control, weight gain, or financial strain. Balancing short-term pleasure with long-term goals is a common consideration in discussions of indulgence, restraint, and self-discipline.

Etymology traces indulge to Latin indulgere, meaning to be lenient or grant favors, passing into Old French and Middle English before becoming the modern verb. Related terms include indulgence, self-indulgence, and indulgent. The nuance of indulging—positive, neutral, or negative—depends on context, intent, and frequency.