ensue
Americanverb
-
(intr) to follow; come next or afterwards
-
(intr) to follow or occur as a consequence; result
-
obsolete (tr) to pursue
Related Words
See follow.
Etymology
Origin of ensue
First recorded in 1450–1500; Middle English ensuen, from Anglo-French ensuer, cognate with Old French ensui(v)re; see en- 1, sue
Explanation
If something happens after something else, it will ensue, meaning it will follow after or be the result. When a sneeze comes out, and he hears the "Achoo!," a "Bless you" or "Gesundheit" soon will ensue. One way to remember the verb ensue is to rhyme it with "due." A happening that is due to happen will ensue, "Throwing a glass of ice water in his face guaranteed that a chase would ensue." Often what follows is a response to words or actions, so what will ensue is what will happen as a consequence. A struggle might ensue if a thief grabs a purse, and a discussion might ensue if two sides disagree.
Vocabulary lists containing ensue
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Grade 9, List 3
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Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
What racking fear, what painful grief Ensue a pleasant sin!
From The Poets and Poetry of Cecil County, Maryland by Various
But O noble Doctours, that worthy ar of name: Consyder our olde faders: note wel theyr diligence: Ensue ye theyr steppes: obtayne ye such fame, As they dyd lyuynge: and that by true Prudence.
From The Ship of Fools, Volume 1 by Barclay, Alexander
Yet fear to strike the stone, lest foul disgrace430 Of broken chariot and of crippled steeds Ensue, and thou become the public jest.
From The Iliad of Homer Translated into English Blank Verse by William Cowper by Cowper, William
On the Probable Fall of the Value of Gold; the Commercial and Social Consequences which may Ensue, and the Measures which it Invites.
From The Atlantic Monthly, Volume 03, No. 20, June, 1859 by Various
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
