to realize beforehand; foretaste or foresee

to anticipate pleasure.

to expect; look forward to; be sure of

to anticipate a favorable decision.

to perform (an action) before another has had time to act.

to answer (a question), obey (a command), or satisfy (a request) before it is made

He anticipated each of my orders.

to nullify, prevent, or forestall by taking countermeasures in advance

to anticipate a military attack.

to consider or mention before the proper time

to anticipate more difficult questions.

to be before (another) in doing, thinking, achieving, etc.

Many modern inventions were anticipated by Leonardo da Vinci.

Finance .

to expend (funds) before they are legitimately available for use.

to discharge (an obligation) before it is due.

Verb (used without object)