Overindulgence Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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overindulgence

[ˌoʊvərɪnˈdʌldʒəns ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

in eating or drinking

Excessive or immoderate consumption of food or drink beyond what is necessary or appropriate.

Synonyms

excess, gluttony, intemperance.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
overindulgence	Mentioning overindulgence twice is likely a mistake. The context and examples for the previous 'overindulgence' entry apply here.
excess	Applies to a quantity that is more than what is necessary, usual, or required. He put an excess amount of sugar in his coffee The house was decorated with an excess of lights
gluttony	Specifically refers to the habit or act of eating and drinking too much, often with a negative moral judgment. Gluttony is often considered a sin His gluttony at the buffet embarrassed his friends
intemperance	Denotes a lack of self-control or moderation, especially in relation to drinking alcohol or other vices. His intemperance with alcohol caused problems in his life The town was known for the intemperance of its citizens

Examples of usage

He suffered from the consequences of overindulgence in rich foods.
Her overindulgence in alcohol was starting to affect her health.
The doctor warned him about the dangers of overindulgence.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

in pleasure or luxury

Excessive gratification of one's desires, especially in relation to pleasure or luxury.

Synonyms

extravagance, hedonism, luxury.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
overindulgence	Used when someone is enjoying something to excess, often negatively affecting their health or wellbeing. This term typically suggests a lack of self-control. Her overindulgence in sweets led to numerous dental problems His overindulgence in alcohol became a concern for his friends
extravagance	Implies spending money or using resources excessively, often without necessity. This term often carries a negative connotation, especially when discussing finances. Their wedding was criticized for its extravagance during hard economic times He was known for his extravagance, always buying the latest gadgets
luxury	Refers to a state of great comfort or elegance, especially when involving great expense. This term can be used positively to describe someone enjoying comfort and wealth without the excess implied by overindulgence or extravagance. They spent their vacation in a luxury resort with all possible amenities Owning a private jet is the epitome of luxury
hedonism	Describes a lifestyle or philosophy that focuses on seeking pleasure and avoiding pain. This word does not inherently carry a negative connotation but can suggest selfish or indulgent behaviors. He embraced hedonism, spending his days in pursuit of pleasure Many criticized the hedonism of the ancient Romans, who prioritized luxury over duty

Examples of usage

She lived a life of overindulgence, constantly seeking more material possessions.
His overindulgence in expensive vacations left him in debt.
The overindulgence in luxury led to a sense of emptiness and dissatisfaction.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Psychology

Studies show that people often overindulge because they believe it will make them happier, but it can lead to feelings of guilt.
Emotional eating is a common cause of overindulgence, where people eat to cope with feelings rather than hunger.

Health

Overindulgent eating can contribute to obesity, diabetes, and other health issues, as excessive consumption of calories takes a toll on the body.
Experts recommend moderation, as occasional indulgence can be part of a balanced lifestyle without leading to negative health impacts.

Cultural Perspectives

In some cultures, overindulgence is seen as a sign of wealth and success, where lavish banquets are common to showcase prosperity.
Festivals often emphasize overindulgence as a time of celebration, where food and drink are plentiful, reflecting joy and community.

Literature

In classic literature, characters who overindulge often face consequences, serving as cautionary tales about excess.
Many fairy tales use the theme of overindulgence to teach lessons about moderation, like in stories where greedy characters lose everything.

Social Media

Social media platforms often glamorize overindulgence through food photos and lifestyle posts, influencing people’s perceptions of normal consumption.
The constant sharing of lavish meals can create pressure to partake in overindulgence during social gatherings.

Origin of 'overindulgence'

The term 'overindulgence' originates from the word 'indulge', which comes from the Latin word 'indulgere', meaning 'to be kind' or 'to grant'. Overindulgence refers to the act of excessive or immoderate indulging, often leading to negative consequences in various aspects of life such as health, finance, or emotional well-being. The concept of overindulgence has been prevalent throughout history, with societies often warning against the dangers of excess in different areas.

See also: indulge, indulgence, indulgent, overindulge.