/ ænˌtɪsɪˈpeɪʃn; NAmE / noun [ U ]
1.
the fact of seeing that sth might happen in the future and perhaps doing sth about it now :
He bought extra food in anticipation of more people coming than he'd invited.
2.
a feeling of excitement about sth (usually sth good) that is going to happen :
happy / eager / excited anticipation
The courtroom was filled with anticipation.
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WORD ORIGIN
late Middle English : from Latin anticipatio(n-) , from the verb anticipare , based on ante- before + capere take.