v.
Pronunciation: pri- ' per
Function: verb
Inflected Form: pre · pared ; pre · par · ing
Etymology: Middle English, from Middle French preparer, from Latin praeparare, from prae- pre- + parare to procure, prepare ― more at PARE
Date: 15th century
transitive verb
1 a : to make ready beforehand for some purpose, use, or activity < prepare food for dinner> b : to put in a proper state of mind <is prepared to listen>
2 : to work out the details of : plan in advance < preparing a campaign strategy>
3 a : to put together : COMPOUND < prepare a prescription> b : to put into written form < prepare a report>
intransitive verb : to get ready < preparing for a career>
– pre · par · er noun