accustom

[ uh-kuhs-tuhm ]

verb (used with object)

1. to familiarize by custom or use; habituate:

   to accustom oneself to cold weather.

accustom

/ əˈkʌstəm /

verb

1. trusually foll byto to make (oneself) familiar (with) or used (to), as by practice, habit, or experience

Other Words From

• preac·custom verb (used with object)
• reac·custom verb (used with object)
• unac·custom verb (used with object)

Word History and Origins

Origin of accustom¹

First recorded in 1425–75; late Middle English word from Middle French word acoustumer. See ac-, custom

Word History and Origins

Origin of accustom¹

C15: from Old French acostumer, from costume custom

Example Sentences

Audiences on Netflix have embraced international programming as viewers have become increasingly accustomed to reading subtitles at home.

From Los Angeles Times

Rep. Adam B. Schiff is a darling of the Democrats, a fighter and political veteran accustomed to the limelight on Sunday talk shows and on the House floor.

From Los Angeles Times

Content creators are accustomed to such uncertainty, she added, because government directives tend to be vague and unevenly enforced.

From Los Angeles Times

“People are accustomed to turning on their TV late election night and seeing a winner splashed across the screen,” said Jessica Levinson, an election law professor at Loyola Law School.

From Los Angeles Times

By the time Trump had glided down his golden escalator to announce his candidacy a year earlier, the nation was accustomed to rancor and sharpening divisions.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• acquaint
• adapt