Definition of "anticipate"

When two parties, each formidable for their numbers, and the weight of their influence and property, are animated by an equal degree of zeal, it is natural to anticipate the final success of that which possesses the most inherent strength.

c. 1824 (written, published in 1891) Robert Hall, Fragment on Popery

He would probably have died by the hand of the executioner, if indeed the executioner had not been anticipated by the populace.

1849–1861, Thomas Babington Macaulay, chapter 20, in The History of England from the Accession of James the Second, volumes (please specify |volume=I to V), London: Longman, Brown, Green, and Longmans

The task was more to Appleby's liking than the one he had anticipated, and it was necessary, since the smaller merchants in Cuba and also in parts of Peninsular Spain have no great confidence in bankers, and prefer a packet of golden onzas or a bag of pesetas to the best accredited cheque.

1907, Harold Bindloss, chapter 31, in The Dust of Conflict‎

But surely they did not anticipate the ease with which their team raced into an almost impregnable half-time lead.

2011 October 2, Jonathan Jurejko, “Bolton 1 - 5 Chelsea”, in BBC Sport‎