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

Just a few days after her passing came Oct. 7 and the ensuing Israeli invasion into Gaza. —Danny Hajjar, Rolling Stone, 27 Jan. 2025

But backlash ensued toward the Republican official, who also held positions for a local library and a nonprofit. —Mike Stunson, Miami Herald, 27 Jan. 2025

Now up 20-12, the Eagles profited from a Commanders gaffe on the ensuing kickoff. —Kevin Dotson, CNN, 26 Jan. 2025

The Washington Commanders fumbled the ball away for their third turnover of the NFC Championship against the Philadelphia Eagles on Sunday, and some chaos ensued as Saquon Barkley got the team down to the goal line. —Ryan Gaydos, Fox News, 26 Jan. 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

Kids Definition

ensue

verb

en·​sue in-ˈsü 

ensued; ensuing

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

ensuing effects