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

The ensuing period was Kornet’s best performance of his career, with 10 points on 5-for-5 shooting, nine rebounds and a career-high seven blocks. —Jared Weiss, New York Times, 15 May 2025

The Menendez brothers, now in their 50s, attended via video from prison and addressed the judge directly — apologizing for killing their parents and for lying in the ensuing court proceedings, according to ABC News. —Rachel Treisman, NPR, 14 May 2025

Result: Paul Volcker, chairman of the Federal Reserve from 1979-1987, brought inflation under control by hiking interest rates to record highs and intentionally slowing the U.S. economy, paving the way for an ensuing bull market. —Luke Andriuk, Forbes.com, 14 May 2025

Speculation about Biden's situation ramped up following his poor debate performance against President Trump in June, and the ensuing fallout ultimately led to Biden dropping out of the race. —Anne Bryson, CBS News, 14 May 2025

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

Rhymes for ensue

• blew
• blue
• boo
• brew
• chew
• chou
• clue
• coo
• coup
• crew
• cue
• dew

Kids Definition

ensue

verb

en·​sue in-ˈsü 

ensued; ensuing

: to come at a later time or as a result : follow

ensuing effects