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

Applause ensued as the designer accepted, wearing a cut-out black dress of her own design, a metal rose winding up the bodice. —Leah Faye Cooper, Vogue, 17 Oct. 2024

The officer then gets out of his car, and within seconds, a scuffle ensues. —Holly Yan, Melissa Alonso and Caroll Alvarado, CNN, 16 Oct. 2024

The home run soared into the stands in Miami, and a melee ensued to grab the souvenir. —Jonathan Lansner, Orange County Register, 16 Oct. 2024

Naturally, chaos ensued, and then, Leo brutally beat Stephen to a pulp as Lucy looked on in horror. —Julia Moore, People.com, 16 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