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

Seattle’s ensuing drive ended with a touchdown to cut the deficit to 21-19 early in the fourth. —Michael-Shawn Dugar, The Athletic, 2 Dec. 2024

The ensuing reduction of its forecasted profit margin revealed bigger problems than previously believed. —Christiaan Hetzner, Fortune, 2 Dec. 2024

Local media reports said the death toll from the clashes, the ensuing stampede and protests that followed could be as high as 100. —Abdourahmane Diallo, New York Times, 2 Dec. 2024

On the ensuing drive, the Lancers faced a crucial fourth-and-8 from the Scorpions’ 34-yard line. —Jacob Steinberg, Baltimore Sun, 30 Nov. 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