<p><strong>Verb</strong></p><ul><li>(used with object) anticipated, anticipating.</li><li>To realize beforehand; foretaste or foresee: to anticipate pleasure.</li><li>To expect; look forward to; be sure of: to anticipate a favorable decision.</li><li>To perform (an action) before another has had time to act.</li><li>To answer (a question), obey (a command), or satisfy (a request) before it is made: He anticipated each of my orders.</li><li>To nullify, prevent, or forestall by taking countermeasures in advance: to anticipate a military attack.</li><li>Synonyms: avert, obviate, preclude.</li><li>To consider or mention before the proper time: to anticipate more difficult questions.</li><li>To be before (another) in doing, thinking, achieving, etc.: Many modern inventions were anticipated by Leonardo da Vinci.</li><li>Finance: to expend (funds) before they are legitimately available for use.</li><li>To discharge (an obligation) before it is due.</li></ul><p><strong>Verb</strong></p><ul><li>(used without object) anticipated, anticipating.</li><li>To think, speak, act, or feel an emotional response in advance.</li></ul>