go through

present singular third person goes through · participle present going through · past went through · participle past gone through

1. literallyTo travel from one end of something to the other.

   The train went through the tunnel.

2. To execute or carry out.

   They went through the process step by step and ended up with Beef Wellingtom.

3. transitiveTo examine or scrutinize (a number or series of things).

   Every morning, she went through her mail over a cup of coffee.

   1 more example

   After Betty died, Greg and Nicole had the job of going through her apartment and giving things away to charity, no small job since they felt the need to clean everything and make it look as good as possible before giving it away.

   2005, Elisabeth Kübler-Ross, David Kessler, On Grief and Grieving, →ISBN, page 135

4. datedslangTo rob (someone), especially after searching through their clothes.
5. transitiveTo enact or recite the entire length of (something).

   Juve’s indignities in that period also featured a sending-off for Juan Cuadrado, one of their substitutes, and a late goal from Marco Asensio when the thousands of Madridistas were already going through their victory songs.

   2017 June 3, Daniel Taylor, “Real Madrid win Champions League as Cristiano Ronaldo double defeats Juve”, in The Guardian (London)

6. transitiveTo undergo, suffer, experience.

   She's yet to go through puberty, although she's already 17.

   2 more examples

   I went through a lengthy immigration process before I was allowed across the border.

   "Oh, Hilda, Hilda!" was torn reproachfully from Mrs. Dupreen. "You know what we've gone through. Why didn't you tell us this before?"

   1923, Ernest Bramah [pseudonym; Ernest Brammah Smith], “(please specify the page)”, in The Eyes of Max Carrados, London: Grant Richards, →OCLC

7. transitiveTo use up or wear out (clothing etc.).

   I've gone through two pairs of shoes already this holiday.

   1 more example

   Her family drinks so much milk that they go through two gallons a week.

8. intransitiveTo progress to the next stage of something.

   If United don't lose by more than 2 goals, they should go through to the next round.

9. intransitiveTo reach an intended destination after passing through some process.

   My payment hasn't gone through yet.

   2 more examples

   I don't think my instant messages are going through.

   And you have to be careful. If you don't book your parking in double-quick time, you risk a fine, so always double-check that your payment has gone through. Some operators don't even send you an email or text to say you've paid.

   2025 October 15, 'Mystery Shopper', “About Anglia... and high scores”, in RAIL, number 1046, page 53

10. transitiveTo beat, fight or attack (someone).
11. transitiveTo be present and intense.

    The cardamom goes through the cake.