anˈtisəˌpāt, aan-, usu -ād.+V verb
( -ed/-ing/-s )
Etymology: Latin anticipatus, past participle of anticipare to anticipate, from anti- ante- (II) + -cipare (from -cipere, from capere to take) — more at heave
transitive verb
1. : to consider in advance : give advance thought, discussion, or treatment to
the author had anticipated the question in a preceding chapter
2. : to cause to occur prematurely
it is impossible for the bank to anticipate payment — J.A.Todd
: meet (an obligation) before a due date
3.
a. : to deal with in advance : counter, guard against, or forestall by prior action
anticipating the action of the enemy and taking due precautions
b. : to foresee and satisfy or fulfill beforehand
anticipating the customers' demands
4. : to realize or actualize before an expected or plausible time
anticipating the happiness of heaven
5. : to use or expend in advance of actual possession
anticipating his salary and buying many clothes
6. : to act before (another) often with the intent or effect of checking or countering
anticipating his opponent and protecting the threatened area
7. : look forward to as certain
to anticipate the stormy weather
intransitive verb
1. : to come before the expected time — usually used of medical symptoms
2. : to speak or write in a way conditioned by knowledge or expectation of what will be treated later
Synonyms: see foresee , prevent