1.To be before in doing; to do or take before another; to preclude or prevent by prior action. "To anticipate and prevent the duke's purpose." "He would probably have died by the hand of the executioner, if indeed the executioner had not been anticipated by the populace."
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.