verb
accustom
uh-KUS-tum/ʌkˈʌstʌm/
To make someone used to something through repeated experience.
The owner gradually accustoms the nervous dog to the vacuum cleaner.
Etymology
The pieces suggest bringing something into habitual practice. To accustom people is to make an experience familiar through use, so that it becomes part of what they are used to.
In context
the emperor's horses and those of the nobility and troops of the guards should be frequently exercised in my sight to accustom themselves to me
More examples
- She accustoms new employees to the daily safety checks.
- They gradually accustomed themselves to the colder climate.
- Short visits are accustoming the child to her new school.
Forms
accustom · accustoms · accustomed · accustoming
Similar words
- habituate
- Often describes a reduced response after repeated exposure.
- familiarize
- Builds knowledge of something rather than comfort through habit.