undergo

verb

un·​der·​go ˌən-dər-ˈgō How to pronounce undergo (audio)
underwent ˌən-dər-ˈwent How to pronounce undergo (audio) ; undergone ˌən-dər-ˈgȯn How to pronounce undergo (audio)
 also  -ˈgän
; undergoing ˌən-dər-ˈgō-iŋ How to pronounce undergo (audio)
-ˈgȯ(-)iŋ

transitive verb

1
: to submit to : endure
2
: to go through : experience
undergo a transformation
3
obsolete : undertake
4
obsolete : to partake of

Examples of undergo in a Sentence

She will have to undergo an operation. some people undergo a complete transformation while away at college
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Stars including Evan Peters, Charlize Theron, Lupita Nyong'o and James McAvoy have all undergone serious transformations in an effort to bring some of the creepiest characters in cinema history to the big screen. Lydia Price, People.com, 23 Nov. 2024 The property, previously known as Banyan Cay, has undergone far more than a name change. Erik Matuszewski, Forbes, 22 Nov. 2024 The cinema has undergone several incarnations since it was built by brothers Jimmy and Johnny Houlihan and opened in 1919. Nancy Tartaglione, Deadline, 22 Nov. 2024 Iran has undergone a series of earth-shaking changes in the past few years. Steven Zeitchik, The Hollywood Reporter, 22 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for undergo 

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of undergo was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near undergo

Cite this Entry

“Undergo.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/undergo. Accessed 9 Dec. 2024.

Kids Definition

undergo

verb
un·​der·​go ˌən-dər-ˈgō How to pronounce undergo (audio)
underwent
-ˈwent
; undergone -ˈgȯn How to pronounce undergo (audio)
 also  -ˈgän
; undergoing -ˈgō-iŋ How to pronounce undergo (audio)
1
: endure sense 2
undergo an operation
2
: to pass through : experience
undergoing a change

More from Merriam-Webster on undergo

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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