The Complete Vocabulary Builder Workbook

binge

IPA:

Dictionary definition of binge

To indulge in a particular activity or behavior excessively and compulsively, often over a relatively short period of time.
"He had a tendency to binge-watch entire seasons of TV shows in one sitting."

Detailed meaning of binge

The term is commonly associated with overeating, especially when someone consumes large quantities of food in a short span, but it can also apply to excessive consumption of alcohol, binge-watching television shows, or any other activity done to an extreme and potentially harmful degree. When someone "binges," they typically lose control over their behavior, driven by strong cravings or impulses. This term is often used in the context of discussing unhealthy or compulsive habits, highlighting the lack of moderation and the potential negative consequences associated with such behavior.

Example sentences containing binge

1. She tends to binge on junk food when she's feeling stressed.
2. He decided to binge-watch his favorite TV series all night long.
3. The college students would often binge on pizza during their late-night study sessions.
4. She admitted to occasionally binge-shopping when she's feeling down.
5. After a long week of work, he planned to binge-read his favorite novels over the weekend.
6. They decided to have a movie marathon and binge-watch all the Harry Potter films.

History and etymology of binge

The verb 'binge' has its etymological origins in English, and its specific origins are not entirely clear. It is believed to have emerged in the mid-19th century in British English as a slang term. The word 'binge' initially referred to a drinking spree or a period of excessive alcohol consumption. It likely evolved from an earlier term, 'bingo,' used in a similar context. Over time, 'binge' broadened in meaning to describe indulging in any activity or behavior excessively and compulsively, often over a relatively short period of time. This expansion of meaning reflects the notion of an intense, sometimes reckless, immersion in an activity, much like a drinking binge. Today, 'binge' is commonly used to describe overindulgence in various activities, such as eating, watching television, or even shopping, highlighting the compulsive and excessive nature of the behavior.

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Further usage examples of binge

1. He couldn't resist the temptation and went on a shopping binge during the holiday sales.
2. The children were allowed to binge on candy during Halloween night.
3. She decided to take a break from her diet and indulge in a weekend binge of desserts.
4. The rainy weekend provided the perfect opportunity to binge on her favorite Netflix shows.
5. He realized he needed to cut back on his alcohol consumption after a weekend of binge-drinking.
6. The bookworm couldn't resist the temptation to binge on the new series of fantasy novels.
7. The group of friends decided to have a video game binge session, playing for hours on end.
8. They would often binge-listen to podcasts during long road trips.
9. After a strict diet, she allowed herself to have a cheat day and indulge in a food binge.
10. He decided to take a day off from work and have a gaming binge session.
11. The comedian's stand-up specials on Netflix were perfect for a comedy binge.
12. They planned to binge on the latest season of their favorite reality TV show.
13. The rainy weather outside made it the ideal time to stay indoors and binge on their favorite shows.
14. They set aside a weekend to binge on all the classic movies they had missed.