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

The motel’s loss is felt not only by history buffs but also local residents accustomed to walking by the iconic site on a daily basis, Curran said.

From Los Angeles Times

“Both countries are looking at more immediate neighborhoods, demanding more of their alliances, and becoming a lot more aggressive than we are accustomed to,” he said.

From The Wall Street Journal

“The Chronology of Water” feels like the natural next step: a film that refuses to dull its bite and forces the viewer into its abrasive tone, confident that they’ll grow accustomed to its rhythm.

From Salon

Mirroring the narrative of the musical, the more we look, the more we not only become accustomed to Auggie’s face, but we cease to see it as abnormal.

From The Wall Street Journal

For global investors accustomed to seeing Hollywood exports anchor worldwide rankings, that is a structural change worth noting.

From MarketWatch

Related Words

• acquaint
• adapt