acclimatize

verb

ac·​cli·​ma·​tize ə-ˈklī-mə-ˌtīz 

acclimatized; acclimatizing

: acclimate

acclimatization

ə-ˌklī-mə-tə-ˈzā-shən 

noun

acclimatizer noun

Synonyms

• acclimate
• accommodate
• adapt
• adjust
• condition
• conform
• doctor
• edit
• fashion
• fit
• put
• shape
• suit
• tailor

Examples of acclimatize in a Sentence

The mountain climbers spent a few days acclimatizing themselves to the high altitude.

had lived through several northern winters before she fully acclimatized her wardrobe

Recent Examples on the Web

The great human power to accustom, to literally acclimatize ourselves, is both gift and possibly fatal curse. —Sara Holdren, Vulture, 28 Oct. 2024

That said, Kikuchi appears to have to acclimatized to Houston well and working with their coaching staff — well known for bringing out the best in pitchers — has paid immediate dividends. —Kaitlyn McGrath, The Athletic, 22 Aug. 2024

My assumption is that the homeowners in question don’t spend enough time in their fancy mountainside chalets to acclimatize. —Frederick Dreier, Outside Online, 16 Oct. 2024

Experts suggest trying to acclimatize your body for days or weeks ahead of time by spending more time outdoors. —Amudalat Ajasa, Washington Post, 1 Aug. 2024

Word History

Etymology

ad- + climate + -ize (perhaps modeled on French acclimater) — more at acclimate

First Known Use

1802, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

acclimatize

verb

ac·​cli·​ma·​tize ə-ˈklī-mə-ˌtīz 

acclimatized; acclimatizing

: acclimate

acclimatization

ə-ˌklī-mət-ə-ˈzā-shən 

noun

Medical Definition

acclimatize

verb

ac·​cli·​ma·​tize

variants or British acclimatise

ə-ˈklī-mə-ˌtīz 

acclimatized or British acclimatised; acclimatizing or British acclimatising

transitive verb

: to adapt to a new temperature, altitude, climate, environment, or situation

intransitive verb

: to become acclimatized

acclimatization noun

or British acclimatisation

ə-ˌklī-mət-ə-ˈzā-shən