undergo

verb

un·​der·​go ˌən-dər-ˈgō 

underwent ˌən-dər-ˈwent  ; undergone ˌən-dər-ˈgȯn 

also -ˈgän

; undergoing ˌən-dər-ˈgō-iŋ 

-ˈgȯ(-)iŋ

; undergoes

ˌən-dər-ˈgōz

transitive verb

1

: to submit to : endure

2

: to go through : experience

undergo a transformation

3

obsolete : undertake

4

obsolete : to partake of

Synonyms of undergo

• endure
• experience
• have
• see

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

Any cooling tower that tests positive will be directed to undergo full cleaning and disinfection immediately. — Youri Benadjaoud, ABC News, 11 Sep. 2026

In Anthropic’s new cybersecurity report, the AI lab detailed an episode in which its Mythos 5 model was undergoing testing and gained unauthorized access to the internet. — J.d. Capelouto, semafor.com, 11 Sep. 2026

Bojeh was ordered to undergo psychiatric evaluation ahead of his trial. — Cristóbal Reyes, The Orlando Sentinel, 11 Sep. 2026

Excavations at the site are still ongoing at this time, while the recovered remains are undergoing further analysis. — Francesca Aton, ARTnews.com, 11 Sep. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for undergo

• afterglow
• akimbo
• albino
• aliquot
• allegro
• amigo
• apropos
• audio
• bungalow
• calico
• calypso
• cameo

Kids Definition

undergo

verb

un·​der·​go ˌən-dər-ˈgō 

underwent

-ˈwent

; undergone -ˈgȯn 

also -ˈgän

; undergoing -ˈgō-iŋ 

1

: endure sense 2

undergo an operation

2

: to pass through : experience

undergoing a change