To overindulge means to let yourself have too much of something pleasurable, beyond what's healthy or sensible. When you overindulge in Halloween candy, you might eat so much that your stomach hurts and you feel sick. When someone overindulges at a buffet, they keep eating even after they're full, just because the food tastes good.

While enjoying treats or entertainment is perfectly normal, overindulging means crossing the line into excess. A gamer who plays for an hour is having fun, but one who plays all night, skipping homework and sleep, is overindulging.

Parents sometimes worry about overindulging their children, meaning giving them so many toys or privileges that the kids become spoiled and ungrateful. During holidays, people often joke about overindulging in desserts or staying up too late watching movies.

The word suggests a lack of self-control or moderation. You can overindulge in almost anything: video games, snacks, shopping, or even complaining. The key is that you know you should stop but keep going anyway, and you usually regret it afterward.