await

[uh-weyt]

verb (used with object)

1. to wait for; expect; look for.

   He is still awaiting an answer.

2. to be in store for; be imminent.

   A pleasant surprise awaits her in today's mail.

3. Obsolete.,  to lie in wait for.

verb (used without object)

1. to wait, as in expectation.

await

/ əˈweɪt /

verb

1. (tr) to wait for; expect

2. (tr) to be in store for

3. (intr) to wait, esp with expectation

4. obsolete,  (tr) to wait for in order to ambush

Other Word Forms

• awaiter noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of await¹

First recorded in 1225–75; Middle English awaiten, from Old North French awaitier (Old French aguaitier ), equivalent to a- a- ⁵ + waitier wait

Example Sentences

Mohamed, who is from Somalia, says he is awaiting a decision himself on whether he can stay in the UK.

From BBC

That plant has been mothballed awaiting new contracts, amid uncertainty over the finances and viability of its owner.

From BBC

Fans of Hollow Knight have been eagerly awaiting the sequel after the first game's release in 2017, which has sold more than 15 million copies worldwide according to the developer.

From BBC

And he pulled no punches in alerting the nation to the danger that awaits us.

From Salon

Now she - and the rest of us - await his investigation.

From BBC

Related Words

• anticipate 
• attend 
• count on 
• stay 

When To Use

What are other ways to say await?

To await something is to wait for it or look for it expectantly. How is await different from anticipate, hope, and expect? Find out on Thesaurus.com.