overindulge
UK[ˌəʊvərɪnˈdʌldʒ]US[ˌoʊvərɪnˈdʌldʒ]
v
to allow yourself or someone else to have too much of something enjoyable, especially food or drink
v
to allow someone to have or do whatever they want, often in a way that is not good for them
Morpheme Breakdown
over
indulge
over
excessively
indulge
to allow oneself to enjoy
Etymology
the word 'overindulge' is a modern english compound formed by combining the native english prefix 'over-' with the verb 'indulge'. the prefix 'over-', with its old english and proto-germanic origins in words denoting spatial superiority, evolved a strong sense of excess or beyond measure. the verb 'indulge' entered english from latin via french, carrying its core sense of yielding kindly to desires. the fusion of these elements in the 18th century created a transparent term where 'over-' directly amplifies the action of 'indulge', logically shifting the meaning from permissible enjoyment to excessive and potentially harmful gratification. this construction exemplifies how english leverages its hybrid vocabulary to create precise, self-explanatory concepts.
Analysis
Structure: over (excessively) + indulge (to allow oneself to enjoy)
- over: from old english ofer, meaning "above, beyond, excessively." in this word, it functions as an intensifying prefix indicating excess.
- indulge: from latin indulgēre, meaning "to be kind to, to yield to." in this word, it functions as the core verb meaning to allow gratification.
Examples
it's easy to overindulge in rich desserts during the holidays.
parents who overindulge their children may hinder their development of self-discipline.
he promised not to overindulge in champagne at the wedding reception.