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

Jabbar, who was well-armed, was killed in the ensuing shootout with police, two of whom were wounded. —The Editors, National Review, 2 Jan. 2025

What public safety and liability nightmares will ensue when GM, Tesla, or another automaker sell fully autonomous driving to anyone that wants it? —Richard Bishop, Forbes, 2 Jan. 2025

The ensuing video became a family affair, with Ludacris, TLC’s Chilli, Goodie Mob, and Slimm Calhoun all making cameos. —Kyle Eustice, SPIN, 2 Jan. 2025

Weeks later, more insanity ensued, the 50th home run ball selling for $4.39 million at auction, the highest price ever paid for any ball in any sport. —Bill Plaschke, Los Angeles Times, 31 Dec. 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