1 tr. make or get ready for use, consideration, etc.
2 tr. make ready or assemble (food, a meal, etc.) for eating.
3 a tr. make (a person or oneself) ready or disposed in some way (prepares students for university; prepared them for a shock). b intr. put oneself or things in readiness, get ready (prepare to jump).
4 tr. make (a chemical product etc.) by a regular process.
5 tr. Mus. lead up to (a discord).
Phrases and idioms:
be prepared (often foll. by for, or to + infin.) be disposed or willing to.
Derivatives:
preparer n.
Etymology: ME f. F preacuteparer or L praeparare (as PRAE-, parare make ready)
Useful english dictionary. 2012.