an·tic·i·pate / anˈtisəˌpāt/ • v. [tr.] 1. regard as probable; expect or predict: she anticipated scorn on her return to the theater. ∎  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. ∎  use or spend in advance.2. act 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). ∎  react or respond to (someone) too quickly, without giving them a chance to do or say something. ∎  pay (a debt) before it is due.DERIVATIVES: an·tic·i·pa·tor / -ˌpātər/ n.

anticipate XVI. f. (partly after F. anticiper) pp. stem of L. anticipāre, f. ANTE- + capere take; see -ATE3.
So anticipation XIV.