under: Meaning and Definition of

un•der

1. beneath and covered by: under a table; under a tree.
2. below the surface of: under water; under the skin.
3. at a point or position lower or further down than: He was hit just under his eye.
4. in the position or state of bearing, supporting, sustaining, enduring, etc.: to sink under a heavy load.
5. beneath the heading or within the category of: Classify the books under “Fiction” and “General.”
6. as designated, indicated, or represented by: to register under a new name.
7. below in degree, amount, etc.; less than: purchased under cost.
8. below in rank; of less dignity, importance, or the like: A corporal is under a sergeant.
9. subject to the authority, direction, or supervision of: a bureau functioning under the prime minister.
10. subject to the instruction or advice of: to study the violin under Heifetz.
11. subject to the influence, condition, force, etc., of: under these circumstances; born under the sign of Taurus.
12. protected, controlled, or watched by: under guard.
13. authorized, warranted, or attested by: under one's hand or seal.
14. in accordance with: under the provisions of the law.
15. during the rule, administration, or government of: new laws passed under President Reagan.
16. in the state or process of: under repair; a matter under consideration.
17. powered by the means indicated: under sail; under steam.
18. See(def. 16).

1. below or beneath something: Go over the fence, not under.
2. beneath the surface.
3. in a lower place.
4. in a lower degree, amount, etc.: selling blouses for $25 and under.
5. in a subordinate position or condition.
6. in or into subjection or submission.
7. She tried desperately to fight off her drowsiness, but felt herself going under.
1. to give in; succumb; yield:She tried desperately to fight off her drowsiness, but felt herself going under.
2. to fail in business:After 20 years on the same corner they finally went under.

1. beneath or on the underside: the under threads of the embroidery.
2. lower in position.
3. lower in degree, amount, etc.
4. lower in rank or condition.
5. subject to the control, effect, etc., as of a person, drug, or force: The hypnotist had her subject under at once. The patient was under as soon as he breathed the anesthetic.

under-

1. a prefixal use ofas to indicate place or situation below or beneath (underbrush; undertow); lower in grade or dignity (undersheriff; understudy); of lesser degree, extent, or amount (undersized); or insufficiency (underfeed).