Definition

1. Adjective:
   • Excessively indulgent: Characterized by allowing oneself or another to have too much of something desired, especially to the point of being harmful or lacking discipline. It implies a level of leniency or gratification that goes beyond what is reasonable or healthy.

Usage

• The word "overindulgent" is used to describe a person, their behavior, or an attitude that is excessively permissive or generous, often leading to negative consequences. It is a descriptive term, typically used in a critical or cautionary context.
• It can modify nouns directly (e.g., an overindulgent parent) or be used with linking verbs (e.g., She was overindulgent).

Examples

• As an adjective:
  • The overindulgent grandparents always filled the children with sweets and bought them expensive toys.
  • An overindulgent attitude towards spending can quickly lead to serious debt.
  • Critics accused the director of being overindulgent, allowing the film to run for over four hours.

Advanced Usage

• "to be overindulgent in/with something": This structure specifies the area of excess.
  • He was overindulgent with praise, making it seem insincere.
  • She warned against being overindulgent in one's leisure time at the expense of responsibilities.

Variants and Related Words

• Overindulgence (noun): The act or habit of being overindulgent; excessive indulgence.
  • His health problems were a direct result of years of overindulgence.
• Indulgent (adjective): Kindly allowing more freedom or pleasure than usual. (This is the base word without the excessive connotation).
  • They were indulgent parents, but not to a fault.

Synonyms

• Permissive: Allowing freedom, especially to other people's behavior.
• Lavish: Bestowing something in generous or extravagant quantities.
• Excessive: More than is necessary, normal, or desirable.

Antonyms

• Strict: Demanding that rules are obeyed.
• Austere: Severe or strict in manner or attitude.
• Abstemious: Not self-indulgent, especially when eating and drinking.

Adjective

1. excessively indulgent