Etymology Map
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Indulge

2 stages from Latin to English.

Today it means to allow oneself to enjoy

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

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