anticipate

/ænˈtɪs.ɪ.peɪt/verb

To act ahead of someone or something, often in order to stop an action before it happens.

Example sentences

“A good chess player anticipates the opponent's moves.”
“The goalkeeper anticipated the shot and blocked it easily.”

Careful usage keeps it for acting ahead of something: a boxer anticipates a punch. Using it as a plain synonym for "expect" is looser.

Related words

antisepticAble to stop harmful germs from causing infection.antibioticA substance that kills bacteria or stops similar microorganisms from growing.antivirusA program that finds and removes harmful software such as computer viruses.antennaA device that sends or receives radio and other electromagnetic signals, converting them to or from electrical form.anxiousFeeling worried or uneasy, especially about something uncertain or still to come.anomalySomething that departs from the usual pattern or expected rule.