ensue

[ en-soo ]

verb (used without object)

, en·sued, en·su·ing.

1. to follow in order; come afterward, especially in immediate succession:

   As the days ensued, he recovered his strength.

2. to follow as a consequence; result:

   When those two friends meet, a battle of wits ensues.

   Synonyms: proceed, arise, issue

ensue

/ ɪnˈsjuː /

verb

1. intr to follow; come next or afterwards
2. intr to follow or occur as a consequence; result
3. obsolete.
   tr to pursue

Word History and Origins

Origin of ensue¹

First recorded in 1450–1500; Middle English ensuen, from Anglo-French ensuer, cognate with Old French ensui(v)re; en- ¹, sue

Word History and Origins

Origin of ensue¹

C14: from Anglo-French ensuer, from Old French ensuivre, from en- ¹+ suivre to follow, from Latin sequī

Synonym Study

See follow.

Example Sentences

The ensuing free kick from the 20-yard line was made off the ground, not on a tee, and the ball caromed laterally out of bounds without touching a player, resulting in a five-yard penalty.

From Los Angeles Times

When they go home for Thanksgiving, they make a pact that they're both going to dump their significant others, and chaos ensues because it's a movie.

From Salon

The research, and ensuing clinical trials, could take as much as 10 years, he says.

From Los Angeles Times

The Ravens scored on the ensuing drive to extend their lead to 30-16.

From Los Angeles Times

He took some photos with other lookalikes before mayhem ensued and several people were arrested.

From Salon

Related Words

• arise
• befall
• come up
• emanate
• occur
• turn out