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

Burns is accustomed to having conversations that his political bosses can’t. —Shane Harris, The Atlantic, 17 Jan. 2025

For example, while Southern Californians are accustomed to wildfires, Los Angeles County agencies were unprepared to fight several major fires simultaneously. —Najmedin Meshkati, The Conversation, 15 Jan. 2025

Most charities have a small budget and are accustomed to operating within it. —Kelsey Piper, Vox, 15 Jan. 2025

Stern’s exclusive presence behind Sirius XM’s paywall has also limited his exposure to younger generations, who are accustomed to accessing content freely. —Trefis Team, Forbes, 13 Jan. 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

Kids Definition

accustom

verb

ac·​cus·​tom ə-ˈkəs-təm 

: to make familiar