/ ænˈtɪsɪpeɪt; NAmE / verb
1.
to expect sth :
[ vn ]
We don't anticipate any major problems.
Our anticipated arrival time is 8.30.
The eagerly anticipated movie will be released next month.
[ v -ing ]
They anticipate moving to bigger premises by the end of the year.
[ vn -ing ]
I don't anticipate it being a problem.
[ v that ]
We anticipate that sales will rise next year.
[ vn that ]
It is anticipated that inflation will stabilize at 3%.
—compare unanticipated
2.
to see what might happen in the future and take action to prepare for it :
[ vn ]
We need someone who can anticipate and respond to changes in the fashion industry.
[ v wh- ]
Try and anticipate what the interviewers will ask.
[also v that ]
3.
to think with pleasure and excitement about sth that is going to happen :
[ vn ]
We eagerly anticipated the day we would leave school.
[also v -ing , vn -ing ]
4.
( formal ) to do sth before it can be done by sb else
SYN forestall :
[ vn ]
When Scott reached the South Pole he found that Amundsen had anticipated him.
[also vn -ing ]
► an·tici·pa·tory / ænˌtɪsɪˈpeɪtəri; NAmE ænˈtɪsəpətɔːri/ adjective ( formal ):
a fast anticipatory movement by the goalkeeper
••
WORD ORIGIN
mid 16th cent. (in the senses to take something into consideration , mention something before the proper time ): from Latin anticipat- acted in advance, from anticipare , based on ante- before + capere take.