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

Then there’s the ensuing content both on a brand and others’ channels. —Jennifer Weil, WWD, 5 Nov. 2024

By the ensuing decades, individualism morphed from these personal freedoms into placing a premium on one’s uniqueness and personal choice. —Allie Volpe, Vox, 4 Nov. 2024

While disavowing violence, some Trump supporters also said or implied that action of some kind could ensue if the election results are perceived as unfair. —Zac Anderson, USA TODAY, 3 Nov. 2024

Topline At least 64 people have died after torrential rainfall impacted eastern Spain late Tuesday, with some areas experiencing a year’s worth of rain overnight, according to local officials, who warned the death toll will likely continue rising as rescue efforts ensue. —Ty Roush, Forbes, 30 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