- (prep.) Denoting relation to some thing or person that is superior, weighs upon, oppresses, bows down, governs, directs, influences powerfully or the like, in a relation of subjection, subordination, obligation, liability or the like; as, to travel under a heavy load; to live under extreme oppression; to have fortitude under the evils of life; to have patience under pain or under misfortunes; to behave like a Christian under reproaches and injuries; under the pains and penalties of the law; the condition under which one enters upon an office; under the necessity of obeying the laws; under vows of chastity.
- (adv.) In a lower, subject or subordinate condition; in subjection; -- used chiefly in a few idiomatic phrases; as, to bring under, to reduce to subjection; to subdue; to keep under, to keep in subjection; to control; to go under, to be unsuccessful; to fail.
- (prep.) Less specifically, denoting the relation of being subject, of undergoing regard, treatment or the like; as, a bill under discussion.
- (prep.) Denoting relation to something that comprehends or includes, that represents or designates, that furnishes a cover, pretext, pretense or the like; as, he betrayed him under the guise of friendship; Morpheus is represented under the figure of a boy asleep.
- (prep.) Denoting relation to something that exceeds in rank or degree, in number, size, weight, age or the like; in a relation of the less to the greater, of inferiority or of falling short.
- (prep.) Below or lower, in place or position, with the idea of being covered; lower than; beneath; -- opposed to over; as, he stood under a tree; the carriage is under cover; a cellar extends under the whole house.
- (a.) Lower in position, intensity, rank or degree; subject; subordinate; -- generally in composition with a noun, and written with or without the hyphen; as, an undercurrent; undertone; underdose; under-garment; underofficer; undersheriff.
Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary
| APA | Webster's. (2011). under. Retrieved September 20, 2026, from http://smartdefine.org/under/definitions/2076596 |
| Chicago | Webster's. 2011. "under" http://smartdefine.org/under/definitions/2076596 (accessed September 20, 2026). |
| Harvard | Webster's 2011, under, Smart Define, viewed 20 September, 2026, <http://smartdefine.org/under/definitions/2076596>. |
| MLA | Webster's. "under" 28 May 2011. Web. 20 September 2026. <http://smartdefine.org/under/definitions/2076596> |