expect meaning and definition

EXPECT verb

Definition of expect (verb)

1. regard something as probable or likely
   • "The meteorologists are expecting rain for tomorrow"
   • synonyms: anticipate
2. consider obligatory; request and expect
   • "We require our secretary to be on time"; "Aren't we asking too much of these children?"; "I expect my students to arrive in time for their lessons"
   • synonyms: ask, require
3. look forward to the probable occurrence of
   • "We were expecting a visit from our relatives"; "She is looking to a promotion"; "he is waiting to be drafted"
   • synonyms: await, look, wait
4. consider reasonable or due
   • "I'm expecting a full explanation as to why these files were destroyed"
5. look forward to the birth of a child
   • "She is expecting in March"
6. be pregnant with
   • "She is bearing his child"; "The are expecting another child in January"; "I am carrying his child"
   • synonyms: bear, carry, gestate, have a bun in the oven