habituating
/həˈbɪtʃuˌeɪtɪŋ/
VERB
1. Making someone accustomed to something
The process of causing a person or animal to become familiar with a situation, environment, experience, or condition through repeated exposure or practice.
1.1. Accustoming and familiarizing
Used when gradually making someone or something comfortable with unfamiliar circumstances, experiences, or conditions through repeated exposure.
Synonyms
- accustoming
- familiarizing
- acclimating
- acclimatizing
- conditioning
- inuring
- seasoning
Examples
- She is habituating herself to the new work schedule.
- The wildlife photographer spends hours quietly habituating to the natural environment.
- The team is slowly habituating to the innovative software system.
- The therapist is guiding her clients in habituating to healthier lifestyle choices.
Related Words
- adaptation
- adjustment
- acclimation
- exposure
- desensitization
- familiarity
- conditioning
1.2. Adapting to environmental conditions
Used when a person or animal gradually adjusts to a particular environment, climate, or set of physical conditions.
Synonyms
Examples
- The researchers spent several weeks habituating the animals to their new surroundings.
- The climbers were habituating themselves to the reduced oxygen levels at high altitude.
Related Words
- environment
- adaptation
- acclimatization
- tolerance
- environmental exposure
VERB
2. Becoming accustomed through repeated exposure
The process of becoming familiar with a recurring stimulus, experience, or situation, often resulting in a reduced response to it.
2.1. Behavioral conditioning and desensitization
Used in psychology and behavioral science for the gradual reduction of a response to a repeated, familiar stimulus.
Synonyms
- conditioning
- adapting
- adjusting
- acclimating
- inuring
- familiarizing
Examples
- The experiment examined how repeated exposure was habituating the animals to background noise.
- Through repeated sessions, the therapist was habituating the patient to previously distressing stimuli.
Related Words
- habituation
- desensitization
- stimulus
- behavioral response
- repetition
- conditioning
ADJECTIVE
3. Habit-forming
Having the tendency to establish a repeated behavior or pattern that can become a habit.
3.1. Formation of repeated behaviors
Describes something that encourages repeated engagement or use and may gradually establish a habitual pattern.
Synonyms
Antonyms
- nonaddictive
- non-habit-forming
Examples
- The habit-forming nature of the activity encouraged repeated participation.
- Some habit-forming substances can lead to dependence after prolonged use.