phrasal
1.
a. : in the immediate rear of
when alighting from the train, unless … others are getting out in your wake — Agnes M. Miall
in the wake of trappers and solitary riflemen came land-hungry settlers — American Guide Series: Ind.
we scrambled in the wake of their powerful, barging bodies — Christopher Isherwood
b. : in the slot or path behind an opening (as in a canvas covering) through which something (as a mast) protrudes
2. : in the path or territory passed over by
the floods began to recede leaving swamps in their wake — V.W.Turner
sacked and burned as they went, leaving scarcely a cabin in their wake — American Guide Series: Louisiana
3. : as a result of : as a consequence of
responsibilities which follow in the wake of war — F.D.Roosevelt
mass immigration … brought in its wake grave problems of public health and poor relief — American Guide Series: New York