ensue
Americanverb (used without object)
verb
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(intr) to follow; come next or afterwards
-
(intr) to follow or occur as a consequence; result
-
obsolete (tr) to pursue
Synonym Usage
See follow.
Other Word Forms
Inflected Forms
Participles
Conjugated Forms
Present
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ensuesimple
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ensuessimple
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have ensuedperfect
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has ensuedperfect
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am ensuingprogressive
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are ensuingprogressive
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is ensuingprogressive
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have been ensuingperfect progressive
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has been ensuingperfect progressive
Past
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ensuedsimple
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had ensuedperfect
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was ensuingprogressive
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were ensuingprogressive
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had been ensuingperfect progressive
Future
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.
Once it becomes clear that returns aren’t measuring up to the scale of those outlays, a pullback in financing and stock prices could ensue.
From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 30, 2026
It’s particularly useful as a contrarian tool when sharp falls can suggest traders are too cautious, and a rally may ensue.
From MarketWatch • May 15, 2026
"The biggest thing that surprised me was the aggressive marketing that went with it. There was more aggressive marketing that lent itself to the potential of more aggressive wagering. That's where harm tends to ensue."
From BBC • May 13, 2026
The festival set times are usually announced a few days before Weekend 1, and then the complaints about conflicts will ensue.
From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 1, 2026
Perhaps a beanstalk will grow to the clouds and an adventure with giants will ensue.
From "The Long-Lost Home" by Maryrose Wood
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.
