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anticipation

noun [U]
 
 
/ænˌtɪs.ɪˈpeɪ.ʃən/

Definition

C2 a feeling of excitement about something that is going to happen in the near future: As with most pleasures, it's not so much the experience itself as the anticipation that is enjoyable. The postponement of the film's sequel has held cinemagoers in eager anticipation for several months.Planning, expecting and arrangingPlotting and trapping in anticipation (of) C2 in preparation for something happening: She's even decorated the spare room in anticipation of your visit.Planning, expecting and arrangingPlotting and trapping
(Definition of anticipation noun from the Cambridge Advanced Learner's Dictionary & Thesaurus © Cambridge University Press)

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