acclimatize

verb

ac·​cli·​ma·​tize ə-ˈklī-mə-ˌtīz 

acclimatized; acclimatizing

: acclimate

acclimatization

ə-ˌklī-mə-tə-ˈzā-shən 

noun

acclimatizer noun

Synonyms

• acclimate
• accommodate
• adapt
• adjust
• condition
• conform
• doctor
• edit
• fashion
• fit
• put
• shape
• suit
• tailor

Examples of acclimatize in a Sentence

The mountain climbers spent a few days acclimatizing themselves to the high altitude.

had lived through several northern winters before she fully acclimatized her wardrobe

Recent Examples on the Web

The American Kennel Club says that dogs that have been acclimatized to cats from a young age will get along with the animal better. —Dan Perry, Newsweek, 26 Nov. 2024

On deck, the cava is flowing and guests are acclimatizing to the heat and waves. —Alexandra Pereira, Vogue, 16 Dec. 2024

Hayes’ comment about acclimatizing, particularly in France, is certainly relevant. —Steph Yang, The Athletic, 16 July 2024

The great human power to accustom, to literally acclimatize ourselves, is both gift and possibly fatal curse. —Sara Holdren, Vulture, 28 Oct. 2024

Word History

Etymology

ad- + climate + -ize (perhaps modeled on French acclimater) — more at acclimate

First Known Use

1802, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

acclimatize

verb

ac·​cli·​ma·​tize ə-ˈklī-mə-ˌtīz 

acclimatized; acclimatizing

: acclimate

acclimatization

ə-ˌklī-mət-ə-ˈzā-shən 

noun

Medical Definition

acclimatize

verb

ac·​cli·​ma·​tize

variants or British acclimatise

ə-ˈklī-mə-ˌtīz 

acclimatized or British acclimatised; acclimatizing or British acclimatising

transitive verb

: to adapt to a new temperature, altitude, climate, environment, or situation

intransitive verb

: to become acclimatized

acclimatization noun

or British acclimatisation

ə-ˌklī-mət-ə-ˈzā-shən