Accustom Definition, Usage, and Examples

Meaning 1：get used to (accustom)

accustom 🔊

/əˈkʌstəm/

vt.

To make yourself or someone else get used to something new or different, so it becomes normal.

Accustom illustration: person adapting from cold to warm clothing in snow

get used to 🔊

➕

/ɡet juːzd tuː/

vt.

To make someone or oneself familiar with a new situation through repeated experience.

📁 Category：Behaviors & Actions 🔖 Level：Intermediate

📘 Details & Usage

📖 Root Explanation

ad- (toward) + custom (habit), from Latin 'accustomare'.

💡 Mnemonic

A + custom: adopt a new custom until it feels normal.

📖 Example

Moving to a cold country, it took me a few months to accustom myself to the freezing winter weather. 🔊 Moving to a cold country, it took me a few months to get used to the freezing winter weather.

🔗 Collocations

accustom oneself to – to make oneself familiar with something

become accustomed to – to grow familiar with something over time

accustom someone to – to make another person familiar with something

🔄 Synonyms

habituate (v.) – to make someone used to something through repetition

familiarize (v.) – to make someone aware of or knowledgeable about something

adapt (v.) – to adjust to new conditions or environment

🚫 Antonyms

disaccustom (v.) – to cause someone to lose a habit or familiarity

alienate (v.) – to make someone feel isolated or unfamiliar with something

🌱 Derivatives

accustomed (adj.) – familiar with something through experience

unaccustomed (adj.) – not used to something; unfamiliar

accustomation (n.) – the process of becoming used to something

📖 Cultural Story

From Old French 'acostumer', Latin 'ad-' + 'consuetudo' (custom). Adopted in English around 15th century.