entregarse a

What does “entregarse a” mean in English?

1. to indulge in, to give oneself over to

   to indulge in, to give oneself over to (entregarse a un placer — allow oneself to enjoy something without restraint)

Example sentences

• Durante las vacaciones, se permitió entregarse a la lectura durante horas sin sentir ningún tipo de culpa.

  During the holidays, she allowed herself to give herself over to reading for hours without feeling any guilt.

• Tras la jubilación, se entregó por completo a su pasión por la pintura que había descuidado durante décadas.

  After retirement, he devoted himself entirely to his passion for painting that he had neglected for decades.

• Algunos pacientes se entregan a la tristeza y al aislamiento en lugar de buscar ayuda profesional.

  Some patients give themselves over to sadness and isolation instead of seeking professional help.

How to use it

Entregarse a means 'to indulge in', 'to give oneself over to', or 'to devote oneself to'. It is the reflexive of entregar. Structure: entregarse a + noun/infinitive. At B2, it covers both positive devotion (entregarse al trabajo — devote oneself to work) and pleasurable self-indulgence (entregarse al placer — indulge in pleasure). It implies full commitment or abandonment to something. Don't confuse with disfrutar de (enjoy — more neutral) or dedicarse a (dedicate oneself to — professional context).