ensue

American  

[en-soo] / ɛnˈsu /

verb (used without object)

ensued, ensuing

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

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ensue British  

/ 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

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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; en- ¹, sue

Example Sentences

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

There’s going to be a lot of new capital raised, and we expect a massive new wave of capacity expansion to ensue.

From Barron's • Feb. 12, 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

"But this effect will not last long, and a trend shift will ensue before the middle of the century."

From Science Daily • Oct. 26, 2025

A squabble would ensue until they all became aware of the watchful eye of Cluny.

From "Redwall" by Brian Jacques

Related Words

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