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

• acquaint
• familiarize
• initiate
• introduce
• orient
• orientate

Examples of accustom in a Sentence

the task of accustoming new recruits to shipboard life

Recent Examples on the Web

Employees who are accustomed to managing multiple responsibilities may demonstrate greater adaptability and resilience, which are valuable traits in a rapidly changing business environment. Competitive Edge in Hiring. —William Arruda, Forbes, 5 Nov. 2024

While Spain is accustomed to autumn storms that sometimes bring seasonal flooding, the recent downpours have resulted in the deadliest floods in living memory. —David Faris, Newsweek, 4 Nov. 2024

Late-game relievers are accustomed to only an inning of work. —Nicholas Dawidoff, The New Yorker, 3 Nov. 2024

Now that hunters are accustomed to taking female deer to help balance Arkansas's deer herd, the award primarily serves as a celebration for hunters who challenge themselves with various weapon types. —Arkansas Game and Fish, arkansasonline.com, 29 Oct. 2024

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

Kids Definition

accustom

verb

ac·​cus·​tom ə-ˈkəs-təm 

: to make familiar