Etymology

, perfect passive participle of ; from , + . See Capable.

Verb

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

   To anticipate and prevent the duke's purpose. --R. Hall.

   He would probably have died by the hand of the executioner, if indeed the executioner had not been anticipated by the populace. -- Thomas Babington Macaulay.

2. to take up or introduce (something) prematurely.

   The advocate plans to anticipate a part of her argument.

3. to know of (something) before it manifests.

   to anticipate the pleasures of a visit

   to anticipate the evils of life

   Please anticipate a journey of an hour from your house to the airport

4. to eagerly wait for (something)

   Little Johnny started to anticipate the arrival of Santa Claus a week before Christmas.

Usage notes

The words anticipate and expect both regard some future event as likely to take place. Nowadays they are often used interchangeably although anticipate is associated with acting because of an expectation. (E.g. skilled sportsmen anticipate the action and position themselves accordingly.)

Verb

anticipate