An-tĭc'i-pā'tion, n.

n. [Lat. anticipatio, Fr. anticipation, Pr. anticipacio.] 1. The act of anticipating, taking up, placing, or considering something beforehand, or before the proper time in natural order. So shall my anticipation prevent your discovery. Shak. 2. Previous view or impression of what is to happen afterward; foretaste; antepast; as, the anticipation of the joys of heaven. The happy anticipation of a renewed existence in company with the spirits of the just. Tholuck. 3. Hasty notion; preconceived opinion, produced in the mind before the truth is known; slight previous impression. Many men give themselves up to the first anticipations of their minds. Locke.

4. (Phil.) A notion a priori: a conception generalized from experience and used to suggest the future; a prolepsis.
5. (Mus.) The commencing of one or more tones of a chord with or during the chord preceding, forming a momentary discord.

Syn.—Preoccupation; preclusion; foretaste; prelibation; antepast; pregustation; preconception; expectation; foresight; forethought.