Pronunciation

/steɪk/

Definitions

Noun

• A stake: 1. A slender piece of wood, metal, or other material driven or fixed into the ground, often used to support a structure or mark a boundary. For example: “The fence post was secured with a sturdy stake.”
• 2. An interest or investment, especially in a business or venture. For example: “He has a significant stake in the company’s success.”
• 3. (informal) In poker, a bet that one is willing to risk to win or lose. For example: “He put all his chips on the table, staking everything on that hand.”

Verb

• To stake: 1. To fix or plant a stake for support or marking a position. For example: “The builder staked out the corners of the new house.”
• 2. To make a claim or commitment by putting something at risk. For example: “He staked his reputation on the accuracy of his research.”
• 3. (informal) To place a bet, especially in poker. For example: “She decided to stake $50 on the black card.”

Noun (informal)

• Stakeout: A period of surveillance or waiting, usually for a specific person or event. For example: “They spent hours on a stakeout outside the suspect’s house.”

Phrases

• “Put up a stake” means to establish or secure something firmly.
• “Take a stake in” signifies becoming involved or investing in something.
• “Stake your claim” is a way of expressing determination to be the first to do something or to have something.

Example Sentences

• Noun: “The gardener staked the tomato plants to keep them upright.”
• Verb: “He staked his fortune on the invention’s success.”
• Informal: “We waited in a stakeout until the suspect left the building.”

Synonyms

• Invest
• Bet
• Commit
• Underwrite
• Risk (in the sense of putting something on the line)