26984 words

indulgence

4 definitions • 8 examples
1
an occasion when you allow yourself to have something enjoyable, especially something that is not good for you, or something enjoyable that you allow yourself like this:

Examples:

Chocolate is my only indulgence.
All the pleasures and indulgences of the weekend are over, and I must get down to some serious hard work.
indulgence in He was well-known for his indulgence in drink and gambling.
2
an occasion when you allow or do not mind someone's failure or bad behaviour:

Examples:

My inability to do needlework was treated with surprising indulgence by my teacher.
3
in the Roman Catholic church, something that can reduce or get rid of punishment for sin (= the act of breaking a religious moral law):

Examples:

The Catholic Church has not declared organ donation an indulgence.
His main complaint was that priests were making money by selling indulgences.
4
the attitude of allowing yourself or someone else to have something enjoyable, or the act of having something enjoyable:

Examples:

[ U ] Heavy indulgence in fatty foods should be avoided.
[ C ] I do not much like self-quotation, but I shall ask your indulgence.

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