verb
habituate
huh-BICH-oo-ayt/həˈbɪtʃueɪt/
To make or become accustomed through repeated exposure.
Repeated exposure habituates the dog to the vacuum until it sleeps nearby.
Etymology
The Latin verb meant bringing someone into a condition or bodily habit. Habituating people similarly makes a condition familiar or customary, so that they become accustomed to it.
In context
behold my figure often in a glass and thus if possible habituate Myself by time to tolerate the sight of a human creature
More examples
- Residents gradually habituate to the noise of passing trains.
- The training habituates new workers to wearing heavy safety gear.
- After a few weeks, I became habituated to the bitter taste.
Forms
habituate · habituates · habituated · habituating
habituation noun — The process of becoming accustomed through repetition.
Similar words
- accustom
- Emphasizes making familiar, without necessarily stressing repeated exposure.
- acclimate
- Often emphasizes adjustment to a new environment or climate.