await

Meanings

1. 1
   verb

   to look forward to the probable occurrence of

   I eagerly awaited their return.

2. 2
   verb

   To wait for.

   I await your reply to my letter.

3. 3
   verb

   To be in store for; to be ready or in waiting for.

   Glorious rewards await the good in heaven; eternal suffering awaits mortal sinners in hell.

4. 4
   noun

   Watching, watchfulness, suspicious observation.

   Also, madame, syte you well that there be many men spekith of oure love in this courte, and have you and me gretely in awayte, as thes Sir Aggravayne and Sir Mordred.

5. 5
   verb

   To expect.

6. 6
   verb

   To serve or attend; to wait on, wait upon.

7. 7
   verb

   To watch, observe.

8. 8
   verb

   To wait; to stay in waiting.

Etymology

From Middle English awaiten, from Old Northern French awaitier (“to lie in wait for, watch, observe”), originally especially with a hostile sense; itself from a- (“to”) + waitier (“to watch”). More at English wait.