Definition

Verb: 1. To happen or occur afterward or as a result: To follow as a consequence or in time. 2. To follow immediately afterward in time or sequence: To come after something, often as a logical or natural outcome.

Usage

The verb "ensue" describes an event or situation that happens after and often because of a previous event. It is typically used in formal or written contexts. The event that follows ("ensues") is usually a direct or logical consequence.

Examples

• As a result:
  • If the dam breaks, a massive flood will ensue.
  • After the controversial announcement, a heated public debate ensued.
• Following in time:
  • A brief silence ensued before anyone answered.
  • The initial shock passed, and a period of calm ensued.

Advanced Usage

• "Ensue from": To happen as a direct result or consequence of something.
  • The legal complications ensued from the poorly written contract.
• "Ensue on/upon": (Less common, formal) To follow as a consequence of. This usage is now rare.
  • The economic crisis ensued upon the collapse of the banking sector.

Variants and Related Words

• Ensuing (adjective): Happening or occurring afterward.
  • In the ensuing days, the situation grew worse.
• Consequence (noun): A result or effect of an action or condition. This is a key related concept.
• Subsequent (adjective): Coming after something in time. This is a synonym for "ensuing" but does not imply causation.

Synonyms

• Follow: To come after in time or order. (Less specific about causation)
• Result: To occur as a consequence.
• Arise: To originate or stem from a source.
• Develop: To grow or cause to grow and become more mature or advanced.

Antonyms

• Precede: To come before something in time or order.
• Cause: To make something happen; the event that comes before.
• Prevent: To stop something from happening.

Related Phrases

• Chaos ensued: A common phrase indicating that disorder or confusion followed an event.
  • When the lights went out, chaos ensued.
• A discussion ensued: A standard phrase indicating that a conversation began following a statement or event.
  • After his question, a lively discussion ensued.

Verb

1. issue or terminate (in a specified way, state, etc.); end
   • result in tragedy