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GRE vocabulary

inure

verbHigh-frequency wordMore I words

to accustom someone to something unpleasant

Word origin: From Middle English in ure, in use or practice.

In a sentence

Inure in a sentence

Here are example sentences showing inure in a sentence.

Years on the battlefield had inured the medics to the sight of blood.

Years on the trauma ward had inured the surgeon to scenes that would distress most people.

Synonyms
habituatehardenaccustomtoughen
Antonyms
sensitizesoften
Usage & nuance

Using “inure” well

Inure means to accustom someone to something unpleasant through long exposure, and it is often followed by to. It contrasts with sensitize.

Common questions

Questions about “inure

Inure (verb) means to accustom someone to something unpleasant
Here is inure used in an example sentence: "Years on the battlefield had inured the medics to the sight of blood." Another example: "Years on the trauma ward had inured the surgeon to scenes that would distress most people."
Common synonyms for inure include habituate, harden, accustom, toughen.
Antonyms of inure include sensitize, soften.
Inure clusters with habituate, harden, accustom, and toughen. Its antonyms sensitize and soften mark the contrast.
Yes. Inure is a high-frequency GRE word, so it is worth prioritising as you build your vocabulary.

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