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

• introduce
• familiarize
• educate
• orient

Examples of accustom in a Sentence

the task of accustoming new recruits to shipboard life

Recent Examples on the Web

Therefore, they’re accustomed to using certain terms. —Serenity Gibbons, Forbes.com, 3 July 2025

Reporters are accustomed to unanswered messages, stall tactics and other evasive maneuvers when pursuing a story. —Beryl Love, The Enquirer, 2 July 2025

Lady Amelia and Lady Eliza Spencer are accustomed to twinning for major events. —Julia Teti, Footwear News, 25 June 2025

Southern Californians are long accustomed to blustery and potentially dangerous Santa Ana winds. —Rob Nikolewski, San Diego Union-Tribune, 23 June 2025

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

Rhymes for accustom

• custom
• frustum

Kids Definition

accustom

verb

ac·​cus·​tom ə-ˈkəs-təm 

: to make familiar