accustom

[uh-kuhs-tuhm]

verb (used with object)

1. to familiarize by custom or use; habituate.

   to accustom oneself to cold weather.

accustom

/ əˈkʌstəm /

verb

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

Other Word Forms

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of accustom¹

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of accustom¹

C15: from Old French acostumer, from costume _custom

Example Sentences

But Ms. Wilson, who was accustomed to working and reworking recipes until they were perfected, was intrigued by how and why an inanimate kitchen object could become so emotionally entwined with her very being.

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A fortnight in sailor pants had made her accustomed to having pockets, and she saw no need to give them up.

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On the other hand, she was so accustomed to not receiving mail that she had simply put it out of her mind, and trusted that he would be in touch when the opportunity arose.

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With relief, Penelope saw the boys resist the urge to toss their turnips in the air, as they were accustomed to doing with the peas.

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By that she meant reddish, although a person who was accustomed to talking about hair would be more likely to describe it as a rich auburn.

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Related Words

• acquaint 
• adapt