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

For those of us not shelling out to alter our sweat glands, we’ll have to accustom ourselves to what the Atlantic’s Katherine J. Wu has called “infinite moistness”: nonstop perspiration clinging to and pouring off our skin—and into the fabric of our clothing, making it necessary to toss it into the wash sooner than we might otherwise.

From Slate

And the notion that video games might accustom people to the idea of war has long been settled: The U.S.

From New York Times

Trent, the former customer the Roosevelt Bartell, ended up at the Rite Aid in Wedgwood, where she said she’s had to accustom herself to long waits.

From Seattle Times

Several mahouts went to Sri Lanka in advance to accustom the animal to being caged so he wouldn’t panic during the trip to Thailand.

From Washington Times

As the rare woman in the upper echelons of Chinese politics, it is a role to which she has become accustom, driving the Communist Party’s will and bearing the country’s criticism.

From New York Times

Related Words

• acquaint
• adapt