accustom

American  

[uh-kuhs-tuhm] / əˈkʌs təm /

verb (used with object)

1. to familiarize by custom or use; habituate.

   to accustom oneself to cold weather.

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accustom British  

/ əˈkʌstəm /

verb

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

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Other Word Forms

• preaccustom verb (used with object)
• reaccustom verb (used with object)
• unaccustom verb (used with object)

Etymology

Origin of accustom

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

Example Sentences

Suppliers accustomed to catering to Apple’s every whim are gaining the leverage to demand that the iPhone maker pay more.

From The Wall Street Journal

She had the stillness of someone accustomed to listening well and hard.

From Literature

Venezuelans are accustomed to wild fluctuations in just about everything — the cost of food, the value of the bolívar, the availability of gasoline and electricity, internet access and more.

From Los Angeles Times

They have grown accustomed to playing in hostile environments and hope their “us against the world” mentality works in their favor once the playoffs start.

From Los Angeles Times

There is no single “right” course of action here, but all options should be discussed — perhaps more candidly than your friend group is accustomed to.

From MarketWatch

Related Words

• acquaint
• adapt