ENGLISH
REFERENCE

undergo

v.
B2 Upper Intermediate Oxford US //ˌəndɝˈɡoʊ// UK //ˌʌndəɡˈəʊ// un·der·go Academic Archaic General-service

v. to experience something, especially a change or a process that is difficult or necessary.

v. to experience or be subjected to something, typically a process that is unpleasant, difficult, or transformative.


SIMPLE

The old building will undergo major repairs next month.

CONTEXTUAL

New recruits must undergo a series of physical tests before they can join the police force.

COMPLEX

The aerospace industry has had to undergo significant structural changes to remain competitive in an era of rising fuel costs and stricter environmental regulations.

Origin

From Middle English undergon, from Old English undergān (“to undergo, undermine, ruin”), equivalent to under- + go. Cognate with Dutch ondergaan (“to undergo, perish, sink”), German untergehen (“to perish, sink, undergo”), Swedish undergå (“to undergo, go through”).

Usage

The verb is transitive and requires a direct object; it is frequently used in the passive voice.

Pitfall

he underwent to surgeryhe underwent surgeryUndergo is a transitive verb and takes a direct object without a preposition.

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