undergo

American  

[uhn-der-goh] / ˌʌn dərˈgoʊ /

verb (used with object)

underwent, undergone, undergoing

1. to be subjected to; experience; pass through.

   to undergo surgery.

   Antonyms:

   avoid

2. to endure; sustain; suffer.

   to undergo sustained deprivation.

   Synonyms:

   tolerate, bear

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undergo British  

/ ˌʌndəˈɡəʊ /

verb

1. (tr) to experience, endure, or sustain

   to undergo a dramatic change of feelings

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Usage

What is another way to say undergo? To undergo something is to be subjected to or to endure that thing. How does undergo differ from experience? Find out on Thesaurus.com. 

Other Word Forms

• undergoer noun

Etymology

Origin of undergo

First recorded before 1000; Middle English undergon, Old English undergān. See under-, go ¹

Example Sentences

And I would give almost anything not to have to worry about my next set of scans or blood tests or to undergo another marrow biopsy.

From Slate • Mar. 29, 2026

The theater itself is expected to undergo upgrades to its stage, sound and lighting systems, allowing it to be configured more specifically around the show.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 26, 2026

The USS Gerald R. Ford, the world’s largest aircraft carrier, is currently docked at a naval base in Crete to undergo repairs after suffering damage from a fire.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 23, 2026

Identifying risk earlier will hopefully mean more patients will undergo aggressive treatment sooner and incorporate any needed lifestyle changes and medications.

From MarketWatch • Mar. 19, 2026

Of course, she must undergo an operation, and afterward—well, she would be her “old self” again.

From "In Cold Blood" by Truman Capote

Related Words

• bear
• endure
• experience
• go through
• have
• meet with
• see
• suffer
• sustain
• withstand