accustom

verb

ac·​cus·​tom ə-ˈkə-stəm 

accustomed; accustoming; accustoms

transitive verb

: to make familiar with something through use or experience

accustomation

ə-ˌkə-stə-ˈmā-shən 

noun

Synonyms

• acquaint
• familiarize
• initiate
• introduce
• orient
• orientate

Examples of accustom in a Sentence

the task of accustoming new recruits to shipboard life

Recent Examples on the Web

All the while filmmakers and talent, who are already accustomed to living job-to-job, are up against inflation and the rising cost of living that has gripped the economy. —Mia Galuppo, The Hollywood Reporter, 12 July 2024

Throughout his rookie season, Senga primarily pitched on extra rest, a schedule that resembled what he was accustomed to over his 11 seasons in Japan’s Nippon Professional League. —Peter Sblendorio, New York Daily News, 11 July 2024

While older workers may consider talking openly about money verboten, many younger workers are accustomed to seeing people online share everything about work, from daily commutes to their experiences with layoffs. —Taylor Telford, Washington Post, 6 July 2024

Gymnastics, especially at the high level he was accustomed to performing, wasn’t a given. —Alice Park / Minneapolis, Minn., TIME, 1 July 2024

Word History

Etymology

Middle English acustomen "to habituate (reflexive or intransitive)," borrowed from Anglo-French acustumer, acostumer, from a-, prefix forming transitive verbs (going back to Latin ad- ad-) + -customer, costomer, verbal derivative of custume custom entry 1

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing accustom

• accustom oneself to

Kids Definition

accustom

verb

ac·​cus·​tom ə-ˈkəs-təm 

: to make familiar