undergo
- 01 B2 Upper Intermediate
to experience a change or a process that takes time.
to experience or be subjected to a process, transformation, or period of development. Transitive — always requires a direct object.
Simple“The old train station will undergo a major renovation next year to modernize the platforms.”
In context“The company is currently undergoing a massive restructuring process in an attempt to improve efficiency and reduce overhead costs.”
Synonyms - 02 B2 Upper Intermediate
to have a medical operation or a series of tests.
to be subjected to a medical procedure, surgery, or diagnostic testing.
Simple“He had to undergo several tests at the hospital before the doctors could find the problem.”
In context“The patient will undergo surgery tomorrow morning to repair the damaged ligament in her knee.”
- 03 C1 Advanced
to go through a difficult or painful experience.
to endure or suffer through a challenging, unpleasant, or painful experience. Often carries a more formal tone than 'go through'.
Simple“The explorers had to undergo many hardships during their long journey across the desert.”
In context“Prisoners of war often undergo extreme psychological stress that can lead to long-term trauma if not addressed immediately upon their release.”
Usage undergoing medical · undergo change · undergo development
“The former police officer was undergoing treatment for colon cancer.”
“But in an ideal world, all three of Rogers, Konsa and Tielemans would not have gone in the same summer; to undergo this much change at once is an enormous risk.”
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”).
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.