overindulge

/ˌəʊ.və.rɪnˈdʌldʒ/ (bre, ipa) · /ˌoʊ.vɚ.ɪnˈdʌldʒ/ (ame, ipa)

overindulge — verb

  • overindulgepresent simple I / you / we / they
  • overindulges3rd person singular
  • overindulging-ing form
  • overindulgedpast simple

1. to eat, drink, or take part in a pleasant activity so much that it leaves you fe

1.動詞不及物B2
釋義

to eat, drink, or take part in a pleasant activity so much that it leaves you feeling sick, uncomfortably full, or guilty afterward

例句

Pedro had overindulged at the wedding buffet and spent the evening feeling uncomfortably full.

overindulged at [event]; result clause: feeling uncomfortably full

Lien overindulged in chocolate after her diet and regretted it as soon as she finished the last piece.

overindulged in + noun (specific food)

同義詞
  • binge

    more informal and specifically implies eating/drinking a very large amount in a short period

  • splurge

    focuses on spending money freely on something enjoyable, not just food or drink

  • gorge

    vivid and slightly crude; suggests eating until you are literally stuffed

反義詞
  • moderate

    to keep within reasonable limits; the opposite of overindulging

  • abstain

    to deliberately avoid something enjoyable entirely, a much stronger opposite

文法句型

overindulge in [something enjoyable]

overindulge yourself with [food/drink]

overindulge on [a particular thing]

用法筆記

When followed by a noun for the thing consumed, use the preposition 'in' (overindulge in cake) or 'on' (overindulge on sweets). The reflexive form 'overindulge yourself' works without a preposition when the context is clear.

常見錯誤

❌I overindulged in the party yesterday.
✅I overindulged at the party yesterday.
💡Use 'at' for the event/occasion; use 'in' or 'on' for the specific thing consumed.

2. to give a person — especially a child — too much of what they want, to the point

2.動詞及物B2
釋義

to give a person — especially a child — too much of what they want, to the point where it may harm their health, behaviour, or ability to deal with disappointment

例句

Rania worried that her mother-in-law was overindulging the children with sweets and toys every weekend.

overindulging someone with [things]; ongoing action

Nora's teacher noticed the effects when her parents overindulged her with toys and never refused any request.

overindulge [someone] with [things]; named child and parents

同義詞
  • spoil

    more common in everyday speech; focuses on the result (the person becomes badly behaved)

  • coddle

    emphasises overprotecting someone, not just giving them things

  • pamper

    more positive or neutral tone; suggests treating someone luxuriously rather than harming them

反義詞
  • deprive

    to withhold things from someone; the opposite extreme

  • discipline

    to set firm limits and teach self-control, the constructive opposite of overindulging

文法句型

overindulge + someone

overindulge + someone + with + [something enjoyable]

用法筆記

The direct object is always the person receiving the indulgence, not the thing given. To name the thing, add 'with': 'overindulge the kids with ice cream'. This sense carries a critical tone — it implies the giver is being unwise.

常見錯誤

❌She overindulged ice cream to her son.
✅She overindulged her son with ice cream.
💡The person must be the direct object; the treat follows 'with'.
❌I overindulged my appetite.
✅I overindulged myself (with food).
💡Use sense 1 when talking about your own consumption.