Definition of undergo

The word "undergo" has a fascinating history. It originated in the 14th century from Old English and Middle English. The verb "undergon" came from the prefix "under-" meaning "below" and "gon" from the Old English verb "gan", which means "to go" or "to do". In its earliest sense, "undergo" meant "to go under" or "to pass under", often referring to physical action, such as crossing a threshold or traversing a distance. Over time, the meaning expanded to include the idea of submitting to some process or treatment, whether physical, mental, or emotional. Today, "undergo" is commonly used in various contexts, including medical procedures, psychological therapy, and everyday experiences, such as undergoing a challenging project or undergoing a personal transformation. Despite its evolution, the word remains rooted in its original sense of movement and action beneath or beyond a certain point.