1. To realize beforehand; to foretaste or to foresee: to anticipate pleasure.
2. To expect; to look forward to; to be sure of: "She anticipated a favorable decision."
3. To perform (an action) before another has had time to act.
4. To answer (a question), obey (a command), or satisfy (a request) before it is made: "He anticipated each of my orders."
5. To nullify, to prevent, or to forestall by taking countermeasures in advance: "They were anticipating a military attack."
6. To consider or mention before the proper time: "The speaker was anticipating more difficult questions."
7. To be before (another) in doing, thinking, achieving, etc.: "Many modern inventions were anticipated by Leonardo da Vinci."
8. To expend (funds) before they are legitimately available for use to discharge (an obligation) before it is due.
9. To think, speak, act, or feel an emotional response in advance.

A wide range of applications for nanotechnology is anticipated.