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

In addition, Cutler’s Tennessee drivers license was revoked for a year and he was ordered to pay a $350 fine, undergo regular and random drug screens and attend a DUI class.

From Los Angeles Times

Former US President Joe Biden recently underwent skin cancer surgery, his spokeswoman said.

From BBC

She will undergo a physical before the transfer is completed.

From Los Angeles Times

In 2024, a three-day old baby in Kolkata city died a day after he underwent surgery to remove two malformed foetuses from his abdomen.

From BBC

Boxing has undergone a major restructure in recent years after the IBA was stripped of its powers for failing to implement reforms.

From BBC

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.