# put someone under

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/put-someone-under
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

To anesthetize someone or render them unconscious through the use of narcotic substances, usually either alcohol or pharmaceutical drugs.

## Examples

- The doctor will put you under for the surgery.
- The anesthesiologist explained the process before they put the patient under for the long operation.
- Despite his intense fear of medical procedures, he eventually consented to let the surgeons put him under to repair his damaged shoulder.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.