transitive verb anticipated -·pat′ed, anticipating -·pat′·ing

1. to look forward to; expect to anticipate a pleasant vacation
2. to make happen earlier; precipitate
3. to prevent by action in advance; forestall to anticipate an opponent's blows
4. to foresee (a command, wish, etc.) and perform in advance to anticipate a request
5. to use or enjoy in advance to anticipate a legacy
6. to be ahead of in doing or achieving did the Vikings anticipate Columbus in discovering America?
7. to pay (a debt) before due

Etymology: < L anticipatus, pp. of anticipare < ante-, before + *capare < capere, to take: see have

intransitive verb