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

In the ensuing four decades, several cities have held Games that either made money or helped revive their images, including Barcelona, Salt Lake City, London and Beijing, whose 2008 Summer Games were seen as the opening of China to the rest of the world. —Les Carpenter, Washington Post, 21 July 2024

The woman was rollerblading when a man appeared to grab her from behind and drag her to the ground, crouching over her as a physical struggle ensued, according to footage shared by WSVN-Ch.7. —Shira Moolten, Sun Sentinel, 20 July 2024

Aldean released the video years after violent protests and looting ensued in the months following the death of George Floyd by police in Minnesota. —Gabriele Regalbuto, Fox News, 19 July 2024

After tending to the friend’s wounds, Saunders walked back to her building, where Correa and his father confronted her, her siblings and Stewart, and a fight ensued. —Molly Crane-Newman, New York Daily News, 17 July 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