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

Taylor, a native of Finland, is accustomed to cold weather and snow. —Michelle Kaufman, Miami Herald, 20 Feb. 2025

In recent years, masters of the universe accustomed to chartering superyachts and buying out resorts have begun extending the logic of exclusivity to entire towns. —Andrew Sessa, Robb Report, 18 Feb. 2025

Ambushing each other may seem like aggressive behavior, however, cats who are accustomed to each other often play chasing just for fun. —Dan Perry, Newsweek, 13 Feb. 2025

Social media and YouTube have gotten younger audiences accustomed to low-budget, short videos, including videos summarizing events from full-length original series and movies. —Ars Technica, 13 Feb. 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