Stake Definition & Meaning | Britannica Dictionary

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The Britannica Dictionary stake 4 ENTRIES FOUND:

• stake (noun)
• stake (verb)
• claim (noun)
• life (noun)

1 stake /ˈsteɪk/ noun plural stakes 1 stake /ˈsteɪk/ noun plural stakes Britannica Dictionary definition of STAKE 1 [count] : a pointed stick or post that is pushed into the ground especially to mark a place or to support something 2 the stake : a post that a person was tied to and burned on in the past as a form of punishment

• Joan of Arc was burned at the stake.

[+] more examples [-] hide examples [+] Example sentences [-] Hide examples 3 stakes [plural] : something (such as money) that you could win or lose in a game, contest, etc.

• a poker game with high stakes
• The stakes are too high/low/big.

[+] more examples [-] hide examples [+] Example sentences [-] Hide examples 4 [count] a : an interest or share in a business

• They have a stake in the company. [=they own part of the company]
• a majority stake

[+] more examples [-] hide examples [+] Example sentences [-] Hide examples b : an interest or degree of involvement in something

• We all have a stake in the health of our economy. [=the health of our economy affects us all]

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at stake

: in a position to be lost or gained

• Millions of dollars are at stake in the battle over his inheritance.
• Thousands of jobs are at stake.
• Many lives are at stake.
• My reputation is at stake if this project fails. [=my reputation will be lost/damaged if this project fails]

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go to the stake for/over

British : to defend (something or someone) even though your actions or statements may cause you trouble or harm

• She's willing to go to the stake for her beliefs.

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pull up stakes

US, informal : to leave your job or home

• Her career was going nowhere, so she decided it was time to pull up stakes.

[+] more examples [-] hide examples [+] Example sentences [-] Hide examples 2 stake /ˈsteɪk/ verb stakes; staked; staking 2 stake /ˈsteɪk/ verb stakes; staked; staking Britannica Dictionary definition of STAKE [+ object] 1 : to risk the loss of (something, such as money) — usually + on

• She staked [=bet, wagered] all her money on the race.
• He staked [=risked] his reputation on the success of the new plan.
• The corporation staked billions of dollars on the deal.
• She staked everything on one last attempt.
• That's the man who robbed the bank. I would stake my life on it. [=I am absolutely sure]

[+] more examples [-] hide examples [+] Example sentences [-] Hide examples 2 : to support (something, such as a plant) with stakes

• She staked the tomatoes to keep them from falling over.

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stake out

[phrasal verb] 1 stake (something) out or stake out (something) : to mark the limits of (an area) with stakes

• stake out a mining area
• We staked out the area where the pool will be installed.

[+] more examples [-] hide examples [+] Example sentences [-] Hide examples 2 : to watch (a place) secretly especially because you are looking for illegal activity

• The police staked out the building until they caught the vandals.

[+] more examples [-] hide examples [+] Example sentences [-] Hide examples — see also stakeout 3 : to state (your opinion) in a very clear and definite way

• He staked out his position on this issue in a speech he gave last month.

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stake (out) a/your claim

: to say or show that you believe you should have something or that you deserve something

• They staked their claim to the land.
• With her strong showing in the early rounds of the tournament, she has staked her claim to be considered one of the favorites.

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