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accustom

verb
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ac·​cus·​tom | \ ə-ˈkə-stəm How to pronounce accustom (audio) \
accustomed; accustoming; accustoms

Definition of accustom

transitive verb

: to make familiar with something through use or experience
Other Words from accustom Synonyms Example Sentences Learn More about accustom

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Other Words from accustom

accustomation \ ə-​ˌkə-​stə-​ˈmā-​shən How to pronounce accustomation (audio) \ noun

Examples of accustom in a Sentence

the task of accustoming new recruits to shipboard life
Recent Examples on the Web In order to accustom the public to the new meter, the French government distributed leaflets, posters, and conversion tables. — National Geographic, "The French Revolution not only toppled a king—it also forged the metric system," 10 Sep. 2020 Parents and caregivers should accustom themselves to always checking vehicles before locking the doors. — Marc Ramirez, Dallas News, "Duncanville officer, alert caller credited with saving life of baby left in locked hot vehicle," 22 Aug. 2020 When the pup was three weeks old, he was introduced to live fish to accustom him to seals' natural diets. — Meg Jones, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, "Harbor seal at Milwaukee County Zoo dies shortly after giving birth to healthy pup," 8 July 2020 Everyone is accustomed to paying interest to borrow money and earning interest when depositing money. — Russ Wiles, USA TODAY, "Negative interest rates: What they are, how they work and whether they are coming to the U.S.," 31 May 2020 While many are now well-accustomed to (and subsequently complaining about) working from home, millions of people have lost their jobs and don’t have the luxury to enjoy — or get annoyed by — WFH home life. — Kathleen Newman-bremang, refinery29.com, "A Makeup Artist On Her Industry’s Uncertain Future," 13 May 2020 Common is accustomed to performing in front of fans, but nothing could've prepared him for his latest collaboration with colorful puppets from Fraggle Rock: Rock On! — Rosy Cordero, EW.com, "Watch Common jam with Fraggle Rock puppets in clip for new Apple TV+ series," 12 May 2020 We were accustomed to driving into this general area to buy food. — Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, "Hartford couple started farming to feed their family, and then the idea grew," 8 May 2020 Lakelynn was accustomed to traveling with a mask, gloves and antibacterial wipes even before COVID-19. — Adrianna Rodriguez, USA TODAY, "'Like a new diagnosis': Cancer families struggle to continue treatment amid coronavirus pandemic," 1 May 2020

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'accustom.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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First Known Use of accustom

15th century, in the meaning defined above

History and Etymology for accustom

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

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Time Traveler for accustom

Time Traveler

The first known use of accustom was in the 15th century

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Statistics for accustom

Last Updated

19 Oct 2020

Cite this Entry

“Accustom.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/accustom. Accessed 26 Oct. 2020.

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More Definitions for accustom

accustom

verb
How to pronounce accustom (audio)

English Language Learners Definition of accustom

: to cause (someone) to become adjusted to or familiar with something

See the full definition for accustom in the English Language Learners Dictionary

accustom

verb
ac·​cus·​tom | \ ə-ˈkə-stəm How to pronounce accustom (audio) \
accustomed; accustoming

Kids Definition of accustom

: to cause (someone) to get used to something I accustomed my dog to a leash.

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More from Merriam-Webster on accustom

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for accustom

Nglish: Translation of accustom for Spanish Speakers

Britannica English: Translation of accustom for Arabic Speakers

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