/ ɪnˈdʌldʒəns; NAmE / noun
1.
[ U ] (usually disapproving ) the state or act of having or doing whatever you want; the state of allowing sb to have or do whatever they want :
to lead a life of indulgence
Avoid excessive indulgence in sweets and canned drinks.
There is no limit to the indulgence he shows to his grandchildren.
2.
[ C ] something that you allow yourself to have even though it is not essential :
The holiday was an extravagant indulgence.
—see also self-indulgence
3.
[ U ] ( formal ) willingness to ignore the weaknesses in sb/sth
SYN patience :
They begged the audience's indulgence.
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WORD ORIGIN
late Middle English : via Old French from Latin indulgentia , from the verb indulgere give free rein to.