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

Furthermore, change management is crucial as organizations navigate resistance from employees accustomed to traditional workflows. —Akhilesh Tripathi, Forbes.com, 31 Mar. 2025

The boy was mostly accustomed to throwing fastballs, cutters, and curveballs. —Lindsey Adler, New Yorker, 30 Mar. 2025

Brazil aren’t a nation accustomed to many low points on the international stage, but their 4-1 humbling by Argentina in Buenos Aires on Tuesday night was undoubtedly one of them. —The Totally Football Show, New York Times, 28 Mar. 2025

As children they were accustomed to wearing hand-me-downs that carried the name of a previous owner. —Rosemary Feitelberg, WWD, 24 Mar. 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