ensue

verb

en·​sue in-ˈsü 

en-

ensued; ensuing

transitive verb

: to strive to attain : pursue

I wander, seeking peace, and ensuing it

—Rupert Brooke

intransitive verb

: to take place afterward or as a result

Choose the Right Synonym for ensue

follow, succeed, ensue, supervene mean to come after something or someone.

follow may apply to a coming after in time, position, or logical sequence.

speeches followed the dinner

succeed implies a coming after immediately in a sequence determined by natural order, inheritance, election, or laws of rank.

she succeeded her father as head of the business

ensue commonly suggests a logical consequence or naturally expected development.

after the talk a general discussion ensued

supervene suggests the following or beginning of something unforeseen or unpredictable.

unable to continue because of supervening circumstances

Examples of ensue in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

During the ensuing investigation, police found Aranda’s blood in the trunk of Shover’s vehicle as well as evidence of Shover's attempts to purchase a weapon. —Christine Pelisek, People.com, 28 Oct. 2024

The Australian show, which focuses on the struggle for power that ensues when the world’s largest cattle station is left without an apparent heir, has a lot of Yellowstone vibes and a couple of recognizable faces at the center. —Lissete Lanuza Sáenz, StyleCaster, 28 Oct. 2024

The amount of chaos that could ensue might overwhelm the joy of Halloween. —Lance Eliot, Forbes, 25 Oct. 2024

His twin brother painted a backdrop and then the lookbook that ensued made its way to online fashion blogs and also got him a spot at the Lagos Fashion Week young designers competition. —Ugonnaora Owoh, Essence, 24 Oct. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Anglo-French ensivre (3rd singular ensiut), from en- + sivre to follow — more at sue

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at transitive sense

Kids Definition

ensue

verb

en·​sue in-ˈsü 

ensued; ensuing

: to come at a later time or as a result : follow

ensuing effects