undergo

[uhn-der-goh]

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

/ ˌʌndəˈɡəʊ /

verb

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

   to undergo a dramatic change of feelings

Other Word Forms

• undergoer noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of undergo¹

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of undergo¹

Old English: earlier meanings were more closely linked with the senses of under and go

Example Sentences

A few months before, Chesson and her husband had undergone a full medical review as part of the process to become foster parents.

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As college football has undergone seismic upheaval in recent years, some fans doubted whether September could still deliver unforgettable events like this.

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Then they suffered through one season with their current bullpen—and chose to undergo a total makeover.

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He was one of about a half dozen crewmen who planned to retire upon their ship’s arrival in Toledo, where it was to undergo scheduled repairs.

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Jobless in Seattle: Led by Amazon and Microsoft, companies across Seattle have undergone round after round of layoffs in recent years, shedding tens of thousands of employees.

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Related Words

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

When To Use

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.