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

In-state refineries would no doubt be ordered to make a priority of producing jet fuel for the military, but then shortages of gasoline and jet fuel for commercial airlines would ensue.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 15, 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

"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

Pairing two of international cinema’s most determinedly idiosyncratic and creatively willful talents is a bit like introducing an unstoppable force to an immovable object; disaster could ensue.

From Los Angeles Times • May 20, 2025

Men chase women down corridors, and laughter and spirited chaos ensue.

From "The Belles" by Dhonielle Clayton

Related Words

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