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accustom

American  
[uh-kuhs-tuhm] / əˈkʌs təm /

verb (used with object)

accustoms, present (3rd person singular) accustomed, past participle, past accustoming present participle
  1. to familiarize by custom or use; habituate.

    to accustom oneself to cold weather.


accustom British  
/ əˈkʌstəm /

verb

  1. to make (oneself) familiar (with) or used (to), as by practice, habit, or experience

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

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Etymology

Origin of accustom

First recorded in 1425–75; late Middle English word from Middle French word acoustumer. See ac-, custom

Explanation

The verb accustom means to become used to or familiar with something; to make something a habit. If there is a new baby in your family, you will most likely become accustomed to changing diapers. Although the verb accustom looks like it should be related to the word custom, it actually comes through costume, through the Old French acostumer, with à, meaning "to," and costume, meaning "fashion or habit." Now it retains the meaning to make something a habit. You can accustom yourself to loud sirens if you live in a city or to the sound of crickets if you live in the country. Parents often cannot become accustomed to the musical taste of their kids.

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Vocabulary lists containing accustom

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Accustom yourself to look upon it with composure; for if my scheme is practicable you will have to live some days in constant proximity to that which now so greatly horrifies you.”

From The Works of Robert Louis Stevenson - Swanston Edition Vol. 4 (of 25) by Stevenson, Robert Louis

Accustom yourself to regular hours as to sleeping, eating, and the morning functions.

From The Plattsburg Manual A Handbook for Military Training by Ellis, Olin Oglesby

Accustom yourself, then, by degrees thus to worship Him, to beg His grace, to offer Him your heart from time to time in the midst of your business, even every moment, if you can.

From The Practice of the Presence of God the Best Rule of a Holy Life by Lawrence, of the Resurrection, Brother

"Accustom yourself from the beginning to the use of a properly constructed saddle, made as straight as a board, no dip whatever," this writer says.

From Ladies on Horseback Learning, Park-Riding, and Hunting, with Hints upon Costume, and Numerous Anecdotes by Lambert, Nannie

Accustom yourself to repose confidence in your associates.

From A Practical Directory for Young Christian Females Being a Series of Letters from a Brother to a Younger Sister by Newcomb, Harvey

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