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

Pascal Perrin, an art historian and Renoir expert, lauded the "exceptional condition of the work, which has undergone no restoration" while presenting the canvas.

Read more on Barron's

The proceeds will “go directly to families undergoing cancer treatment,” according to his website.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

High above, cloud particles may undergo similar cycles of charge buildup and release.

Read more on Science Daily

The study focuses on patients undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy, the standard keyhole operation to remove the gallbladder.

Read more on BBC

Understanding why this occurs may help explain why about 20% of children who undergo surgery continue to experience lingering pain afterward.

Read more on Science Daily

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.