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

Related Stories But many in the business community are skeptical about what the EPR bills will mean for California’s businesses, many of which are not accustomed to the burden of these responsibilities or equipped to comply with the new laws. —Kate Nishimura, Sourcing Journal, 27 May 2025

Some investors that are close to the Trump administration or accustomed to working in sanctioned economies may not be deterred. —Natasha Hall, Foreign Affairs, 27 May 2025

New Yorkers, who are accustomed to sharing small spaces and engaging in frequent interactions, were especially rattled. —Natasha Gural, Forbes.com, 22 May 2025

And now, with this roster, the best money can buy, as loaded as any ever, the envy of every other baseball city not accustomed to such regular success? —Mirjam Swanson, Oc Register, 22 May 2025

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

Rhymes for accustom

• custom
• frustum

Kids Definition

accustom

verb

ac·​cus·​tom ə-ˈkəs-təm 

: to make familiar