1. The act of indulging or gratifying a desire
   "Her occasional indulgence in gourmet chocolates was a treat she looked forward to"
    
2. Something that is desired or appreciated but costs more than one would usually spend
   "The spa day was an indulgence she allowed herself once a year";
   - extravagance, treat
    
3. An inability to resist the gratification of whims and desires
   "His indulgence in expensive cars was a drain on his finances"; "Her self-indulgence in sweets led to health issues";
   - self-indulgence
    
4. A disposition to yield to the wishes of someone
   "too much indulgence spoils a child";
   - lenience, leniency
    
5. Foolish or senseless behaviour
   "His late-night indulgence cost him the next morning";
   - folly, foolery, tomfoolery, craziness, lunacy
    
6. (Roman Catholicism) the remission by the pope of the temporal punishment in purgatory that is still due for sins even after absolution
   "in the Middle Ages the unrestricted sale of indulgences by pardoners became a widespread abuse"

Derived forms: indulgences

Type of: absolution, caper [informal], frolic, gambol, gratification, indiscipline, permissiveness, play, remission, remission of sin, remittal, romp, tolerance, undiscipline

Encyclopedia: Indulgence