Ensue: Definition, Usage & Common Examples

Meaning 1：follow as a result (ensue)

ensue 🔊

/ɪnˈsuː/

vi.

to happen right after something else, usually as a direct result.

Ensue illustrated: A classroom blackout followed by students using phone flashlights.

follow as a result 🔊

➕

/ˈfɒləʊ əz ə rɪˈzʌlt/

vi.

To happen immediately afterward or as a direct consequence of something else.

📁 Category：Behaviors & Actions 🔖 Level：Intermediate

📘 Details & Usage

📖 Root Explanation

From Latin 'insequi' (to follow after), from 'in-' (upon) + 'sequi' (to follow).

💡 Mnemonic

ENSUE ensures events follow in SEQUence.

📖 Example

The lights went out, and a period of confusion ensued in the dark classroom. 🔊 The lights went out, which was immediately followed by a period of confusion in the dark classroom.

🔗 Collocations

chaos ensued – a state of complete confusion and disorder followed

a debate ensued – a discussion or argument followed

ensue from – to happen as a result of something

🔄 Synonyms

follow (v.) – to come after in time or order.

result (v.) – to occur or arise as a consequence.

stem from () – to originate or develop as a result of something.

🚫 Antonyms

precede (v.) – to come before something in time or order.

cause (v.) – to make something happen.

🌱 Derivatives

ensuing (adj.) – happening after something; following.

📖 Cultural Story

The word 'ensue' entered English from Old French 'ensu-' (stem of 'ensivre'), ultimately from Latin 'insequi'. It carries the formal connotation of logical or natural sequence, making it frequent in legal, procedural, and formal report writing to describe chains of events.