follow

Concise Oxford English Dictionary © 2008 Oxford University Press:
follow/ˈfɒləʊ/

▶verb

• 1 move or travel behind.

  ■ go after (someone) in order to observe or monitor them.

  ■ go along (a route or path).

• 2 come after in time or order.

  ■ (also follow on from) occur as a consequence or result of.

• 3 be a logical consequence: it thus follows that the value must be negative.

• 4 act according to (an instruction or precept).

  ■ act according to the lead or example of.

• 5 pay close attention to the movement, course, or progress of.

  ■ be a supporter or fan of.

• 6 understand the meaning of: I still don't follow you.

• 7 practise (a trade or profession).

  ■ undertake or carry out (a course of action or study).

• 8 archaic strive after; aim at: I follow fame.

– phrases
follow one's nose

• 1 trust to one's instincts.

• 2 go straight ahead.

follow suit

• 1 conform to another's actions.

• 2 (in bridge, whist, and other card games) play a card of the suit led.

– phrasal verbs
follow on (of a cricket team) be required to bat again immediately after failing to reach a certain score in their first innings.
follow through (in sport) continue the movement of a stroke after the ball has been struck.
follow something through continue an action or task to its conclusion.
follow something up pursue or investigate something further.

– origin OE folgian, of Gmc origin.