anticipation anticipation /æntɪsəˈpeɪʃən/

noun

1. () Something expected (as on the basis of a norm)  ( expectancy , anticipation )
   something expected (as on the basis of a norm)
    Each of them had their own anticipations
   each of them had their own anticipations
    An indicator of expectancy in development
   an indicator of expectancy in development
   
2. () An expectation  ( expectancy , anticipation )
   an expectation
     The children waited in anticipation for the arrival of Santa Claus on Christmas Eve.
   The children waited in anticipation for the arrival of Santa Claus on Christmas Eve.
   
3. () The act of predicting (as by reasoning about the future)  ( prevision , anticipation , prediction )
   the act of predicting (as by reasoning about the future)
   
4. Anticipating with confidence of fulfillment  ( anticipation , expectation )
   anticipating with confidence of fulfillment
     The team had high expectations for the upcoming match.
   The team had high expectations for the upcoming match.