1. the practice of allowing yourself to have or do something that you enjoy but that may not be good for you
2. willingness to allow someone to have or do what they want, especially when this seems unreasonable
3. something that you allow yourself to have or do for pleasure

Examples

• Eating chocolate cake every day is an indulgence I can’t afford.
• Her indulgence toward her children’s bad behavior was causing problems.
• The spa weekend was a rare indulgence for the busy mother.
• He viewed expensive wine as his only indulgence.
• The medieval church sold indulgences to raise money.
• Parents should balance love with discipline rather than pure indulgence.
• After months of dieting, she allowed herself the indulgence of dessert.