B1verbformalpsychologysociety
US/əˈkʌs.təm/
UK/əˈkʌs.təm/
to make yourself or another person get used to something new
In context
It took a few weeks to accustom myself to the cold weather.
Parents should accustom children to healthy food from an early age.
She slowly accustomed herself to living alone in the city.
Words that go with accustom
verb + preposition
- accustom yourself toYou must accustom yourself to long hours.
- accustom children toTeachers accustom children to working in groups.
- accustom the body toClimbers accustom the body to high altitude.
- accustom the eyes toWait a moment to accustom your eyes to the dark.
adverb + verb
- gradually accustomGradually accustom the puppy to being alone.
Common mistakes
Incorrect:
I am accustomed to get up early.Correct: I am accustomed to getting up early.