Anticipation is one of the most frequently used ways to set up a character's move. Take a look at the top video on the rights. It's explains the basics of anticipation.

Movements in cartoons are exaggerated, and anticipation builds on this. You probably wouldn't use anticipation if you're doing a serious animation, but for the more humorous types of videos it's likely essential.

It gets used everywhere and in all kinds of animations. Have a quick look at the included National Film Board video and watch for the use of anticipation. Once you reach the animated section you'll find it all over the place.

Anticipation, at it's simplest, is just the pause in the wind up for the punch,  when someone crumples from the punch, the lowering for the jump, or the circling for the waltz. (It may involve a certain amount of squash and stretch.) It builds on the excitement, or the comedy of the situation since we see it coming. It gives you a moment to see what's going to happen before it actually does. It telegraphs what we're supposed to watch for, though this telegraphing is intentional