1regard as probable; expect or predict:she anticipated scorn on her return to the theatre [with clause]:it was anticipated that the rains would slow the military campaign
guess or be aware of (what will happen) and take action in order to be prepared:they failed to anticipate a full-scale invasion
look forward to:Stephen was eagerly anticipating the break from the routine of business
2act as a forerunner or precursor of:he anticipated Bates’s theories on mimicry and protective coloration
come or take place before (an event or process expected or scheduled for a later time):this is to anticipate the argument
