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
The Vocabulary.com Top 1000
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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.
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
This has led to turmoil in energy markets, with fears that a world recession may ensue if it is not reopened soon.
From BBC • Apr. 19, 2026
"I'm not a pharmacologist, but none of those drugs strike me as drugs for which it is obvious that a risk of violence would ensue," said Justice Amy Coney Barrett, another conservative.
From Barron's • Mar. 2, 2026
Chelsea Redeker’s 8-year-old daughter and 5-year-old son used to take turns choosing a movie, but arguments would inevitably ensue, and the child who didn’t pick would bounce around or do cartwheels while it was playing.
From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 7, 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.
