Definition

1. Verb:
   • To make someone or something psychologically or physically accustomed to something through repeated exposure or experience.
   • To take or consume something regularly or habitually.

Usage

• The verb "habituate" is transitive and often used with the preposition "to" when describing the process of becoming accustomed. It describes a process that results in a habitual state or action.
• Pattern: or .

Examples

• To make accustomed:
  • The trainer worked to habituate the animals to human presence.
  • You need to habituate your eyes to the darkness slowly.
• To consume regularly:
  • He habituated himself to a strong cup of coffee every morning. (This usage is less common and more formal).

Advanced Usage

• "To become habituated to": This passive/reflexive construction is very common to describe the state of being accustomed.
  • Patients can become habituated to the medication's side effects over time.
  • The birds have become habituated to the noise from the construction site.

Variants and Related Words

• Habituation (n): The process or state of becoming habituated; a decrease in response to a stimulus after repeated exposure.
  • The habituation of the seal population to tourists is a concern for biologists.
• Habitual (adj): Done constantly or as a habit.
  • His habitual lateness was frustrating.

Synonyms

• Accustom: To make familiar with something through use or experience.
• Acclimate: To become adjusted to a new climate, environment, or situation.
• Inure: To become accustomed to something unpleasant.

Antonyms

• Disaccustom: To cause to lose a habit or familiarity.
• Sensitize: To make someone or something acutely aware of or responsive to something.

Verb

1. make psychologically or physically used (to something)
   • She became habituated to the background music
2. take or consume (regularly or habitually)
   • She uses drugs rarely