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Synonyms

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

undergo British  
/ ˌʌndəˈɡəʊ /

verb

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

    to undergo a dramatic change of feelings

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

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

Etymology

Origin of undergo

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

Explanation

Undergo means "endure until something is complete." You might undergo testing to check your hearing or undergo special training if you want to volunteer at a homeless shelter. The verb undergo means "experience" or "undertake." It is often used to describe medical procedures, such as, an injured quarterback who will undergo shoulder surgery. The word implies that it is something that has to happen so that a positive change occurs, like healing in the case of the quarterback or greater communication skills for a hot-tempered person who undergoes anger management training.

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Vocabulary lists containing undergo

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Undergo ligament replacement, a proven procedure commonly known as Tommy John surgery, that probably would keep him out of action for 15 months or more; or try something different.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 28, 2016

Undergo, un-dėr-gō′, v.t. to go under or be subjected to: to endure or suffer: to pass through: to sustain without sinking: to partake of.—adj.

From Chambers's Twentieth Century Dictionary (part 4 of 4: S-Z and supplements) by Various

Undergo was the job of the family, as patient as a lamb: he encouraged the blessed martyrs in times of yore, and is still in existence, though his patience has somewhat diminished.

From The Mirror of Literature, Amusement, and Instruction Volume 19, No. 532, February 4, 1832 by Various

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