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

Police said Childers did not stop the vehicle, and a pursuit ensued the Kern River Canyon toward the Lake Isabella area. — Rosalio Ahumada, Sacbee.com, 7 Oct. 2026

Since the attack and the ensuing war in Gaza, around 74,000 Palestinians have been killed and the majority of its population driven from their homes. — Charlene Gubash, NBC news, 7 Oct. 2026

Even in a nation known for ostentatious displays of baseball obsession, the ensuing theatrics went viral. — Hannah Keyser, CNN Money, 7 Oct. 2026

Over the ensuing years, several new buildings were constructed, including a church, a rectory, a convent, and a school, which opened in 1916 and was operated by the Dominican Sisters of Adrian, Michigan, the parish notes. — Adam Harrington, CBS News, 6 Oct. 2026

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