follow

¹fol·low

verb \ˈfä-(ˌ)lō\

Definition of FOLLOW

transitive verb

1

: to go, proceed, or come after <followed the guide>

2

a : to engage in as a calling or way of life : pursue <wheat-growing is generally followed here>

b : to walk or proceed along <follow a path>

3

a : to be or act in accordance with <follow directions>

b : to accept as authority : obey <followed his conscience>

4

a : to pursue in an effort to overtake

b : to seek to attain <follow knowledge>

5

: to come into existence or take place as a result or consequence of <disaster followed the blunder>

6

a : to come or take place after in time, sequence, or order

b : to cause to be followed <followed dinner with a liqueur>

7

: to copy after : imitate

8

a : to watch steadily <followed the flight of the ball>

b : to keep the mind on <follow a speech>

c : to attend closely to : keep abreast of <followed his career with interest>

d : to understand the sense or logic of (as a line of thought)

intransitive verb

1

: to go or come after a person or thing in place, time, or sequence

2

: to result or occur as a consequence, effect, or inference

— as follows

: as comes next —used impersonally

— follow one's nose

1

: to go in a straight or obvious course

2

: to proceed without plan or reflection : obey one's instincts

— follow suit

1

: to play a card of the same suit as the card led

2

: to follow an example set

Examples of FOLLOW

1. She followed us into the kitchen.
2. The dog followed the children home.
3. The exit is right this way. Just follow me.
4. The children went home and the dog followed behind.
5. If one sheep goes through the gate, the rest will follow.
6. The number 15 follows 14.
7. Her accident was followed by a long period of recovery.
8. First came the student speeches, and the presentation of awards followed.
9. Rioting followed the unjust verdict.
10. If you work hard, success will surely follow.

Origin of FOLLOW

Middle English folwen, from Old English folgian; akin to Old High German folgēn to follow

First Known Use: before 12th century

Related to FOLLOW

Synonyms

postdate, succeed, supervene

Antonyms

antedate, precede, predate

Related Words

displace, replace, supersede, supplant; ensue

Near Antonyms

head

Synonym Discussion of FOLLOW

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>.

²follow

noun

Definition of FOLLOW

1

: the act or process of following

2

: forward spin given to a ball by striking it above center — compare draw, english

First Known Use of FOLLOW

1661

Rhymes with FOLLOW

hollo, hollow, swallow, wallow