an ‧ tic ‧ i ‧ pa ‧ tion AC /ænˌtɪsəˈpeɪʃ ə n, ænˌtɪsɪˈpeɪʃ ə n/ BrE AmE noun [uncountable]
[ Word Family: adjective : ↑ anticipatory , anticipated ≠ ↑ unanticipated ; verb : ↑ anticipate ; noun : ↑ anticipation ]
1 . when you are expecting something to happen:
She waited in eager anticipation for Robert to arrive.
Taylor was excited and full of anticipation at the prospect of the trip.
2 . do something in anticipation of something to do something because you expect something to happen:
The workers have called off their strike in anticipation of a pay offer.