EtymologyMap
Back to all words

Trace the journey of words

Today it means

indulge

to allow oneself to enjoy

Drag to pan · scroll to zoom
Drag to rotate

Where does the word "indulge" come from? It comes from Latin indulgere, and was adopted directly into English (1630s).

Read the full story

Where does the word "indulge" come from? It comes from Latin indulgere, and was adopted directly into English (1630s).

Indulge’s story begins in Latin: indulgere meant “to be kind to.” Possibly related to 'dulcis', sweet. It reached English by 1630s as indulge. Papal 'indulgences' date from the 1300s. Today, indulge means to allow oneself to enjoy.

  1. Stage 1 · Latin · ancient indulgere "to be kind to", possibly related to 'dulcis', sweet.
  2. Stage 2 · English · 1630s indulge "to grant as a favour", papal 'indulgences' date from the 1300s.

Browse by origin