To anticipate and prevent the duke's purpose. --R.
Hall.
He would probably have died by the hand of the
executioner, if indeed the executioner had not been
anticipated by the populace. --Macaulay.
2. To take up or introduce beforehand, or before the proper
or normal time; to cause to occur earlier or prematurely;
as, the advocate has anticipated a part of his argument.
3. To foresee (a wish, command, etc.) and do beforehand that
which will be desired.
4. To foretaste or foresee; to have a previous view or
impression of; as, to anticipate the pleasures of a visit;
to anticipate the evils of life.
Syn: To prevent; obviate; preclude; forestall; expect.
Usage: To {Anticipate}, {Expect}. These words, as here
compared, agree in regarding some future event as
about to take place. Expect is the stringer. It
supposes some ground or reason in the mind for
considering the event as likely to happen. Anticipate
is, literally, to take beforehand, and here denotes
simply to take into the mind as conception of the
future. Hence, to say, ``I did not anticipate a
refusal,'' expresses something less definite and
strong than to say, `` did not expect it.'' Still,
anticipate is a convenient word to be interchanged
with expect in cases where the thought will allow.
Good with bad Expect to hear; supernal grace
contending With sinfulness of men. --Milton.
I would not anticipate the relish of any
happiness, nor feel the weight of any misery,
before it actually arrives. --Spectator.
Timid men were anticipating another civil war.
--Macaulay.