Meaning

(transitive) To act before (someone), especially to prevent an action..

Definitions by Sense

1. (transitive) To act before (someone), especially to prevent an action.
2. (transitive) To take up or introduce (something) prematurely.
3. (transitive) To know of (something) before it happens; to expect.
4. (transitive) To eagerly wait for (something)

Example Sentences

c. 1824 (written, published in 1891) Robert Hall, Fragment on Popery When two parties, each formidable for their numbers, and the weight of their influence and property, are animated by an equal degree of zeal, it is natural to anticipate the final success of that which possesses the most inherent strength.

He would probably have died by the hand of the executioner, if indeed the executioner had not been anticipated by the populace.

The advocate plans to anticipate a part of her argument.

to anticipate the pleasures of a visit

to anticipate the evils of life

Please anticipate a journey of an hour from your house to the airport.

The task was more to Appleby's liking than the one he had anticipated, and it was necessary, since the smaller merchants in Cuba and also in parts of Peninsular Spain have no great confidence in bankers, and prefer a packet of golden onzas or a bag of pesetas to the best accredited cheque.

But surely they did not anticipate the ease with which their team raced into an almost impregnable half-time lead.

Word Forms

• anticipates
• anticipating
• anticipated

Synonyms for anticipate

Related Words

When Should You Use Anticipate?

Use anticipate when its meaning, tone and grammar fit the full sentence. A synonym is not always a direct replacement.

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