anticipate

Meanings

1. 1
   verb

   to be a forerunner of or occur earlier than

   This composition anticipates Impressionism.

2. 2
   verb

   to regard something as probable or likely

   I anticipated these results.

3. 3
   verb

   to realize beforehand

   I anticipated their answer to my proposal.

4. 4
   verb

   to make a prediction about

   I anticipated a reply from my parents.

5. 5
   verb

   to be excited or anxious about

   I anticipated the concert later that evening.

6. 6
   verb

   to act in advance of

   I anticipated the crash and swerved to avoid the debris.

7. 7
   verb

   To act before (someone), especially to prevent an action.

   c. 1824 (written, published in 1891) Robert Hall, Fragment on Popery When two parties, each formidable for their numbers, and the weight of their influence and property, are animated by an equal degree of zeal, it is natural to anticipate the final success of that which possesses the most inherent strength.

8. 8
   verb

   To take up or introduce (something) prematurely.

   The advocate plans to anticipate a part of her argument.

Etymology

Borrowed from Latin anticipātus, perfect passive participle of anticipō (“to anticipate”) (see -ate (verb-forming suffix)), from ante- (“before”), + capiō (“to take”, cip- when prefixed) + -ō (verb-forming suffix). See capable.