habituate

[ huh-bich-oo-eyt ]

verb (used with object)

, ha·bit·u·at·ed, ha·bit·u·at·ing.

1. to accustom (a person, the mind, etc.), as to a particular situation:

   Wealth habituated him to luxury.

   Synonyms: train, acclimate, familiarize

2. Archaic. to frequent.

verb (used without object)

, ha·bit·u·at·ed, ha·bit·u·at·ing.

1. to cause habituation, physiologically or psychologically.

habituate

/ həˈbɪtjʊˌeɪt /

verb

1. to accustom; make used (to)
2. archaic.
   to frequent

Other Words From

• unha·bitu·ated adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of habituate¹

1520–30; < Late Latin habituātus conditioned, constituted, (past participle of habituāre ), equivalent to habitu ( s ) habit ¹ + -ātus -ate ¹

Example Sentences

Sierra Madre has a mix of no harm, no foul bears and habituated bears, Wilson said.

From Los Angeles Times

The ice-free season is now about a month longer than what polar bears are habituated to.

From New York Times

“In some cases, a food conditioned, or habituated bear may become too bold and act aggressively towards people.”

From Los Angeles Times

After seeking expert veterinary advice, Desi found that Molly was "highly habituated", meaning the bird could never be returned to the wild.

From BBC

Juicy is habituated to the madness of his mother.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• accustom