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

The editors are accustomed to such censure from Jews to their right but remain sensitive to Palestinian reproach. —Gideon Lewis-Kraus, The New Yorker, 9 Sep. 2024

The actress, accustomed to some of the trappings of Hollywood such as Botox and facial fillers like Restylane, stopped receiving the popular injectables and had her breast implants removed in 2015. —Jp Mangalindan, Peoplemag, 5 Sep. 2024

Younger generations, accustomed to on-demand services and digital experiences in other industries, are bringing these expectations to the healthcare sector. 4. —Sridhar Yerramreddy, Forbes, 3 Sep. 2024

That’s a drastic shift for Americans accustomed to much slower changes. —Oli Turner, The Christian Science Monitor, 16 Aug. 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