Definition of "expect" in English

verb

1. (ambitransitive) To predict or believe that something will happen

   • when you least expect it
   • I expect to be able to walk again after getting over my broken leg.
   • The hostage is expected to be released later today.
   • I expect it'll rain this weekend, but I hope it won't.
   • I did not expect you'd come before I asked you to, but do expect you to apologize for it.

2. To consider obligatory or required.

   • England expects that every man will do his duty.

3. To consider reasonably due.

   • My parents expected too much of me when I was in college.
   • You are expected to get the task done by the end of next week.

4. (continuous aspect only, of a woman or couple) To be pregnant, to consider a baby due.

   • We are expecting our third in June.

5. (obsolete, transitive) To wait for; to await.

   • The knight fixed his eyes on the opening with breathless anxiety, and continuing to kneel in the attitude of devotion which the place and scene required, expected the consequence of these preparations.

6. (obsolete, intransitive) To wait; to stay.