Main Entry: ¹an·te

Pronunciation: \ˈan-tē\

Function: noun

Etymology: ante-

Date: 1821

1 : a poker stake usually put up before the deal to build the pot <the dealer called for a dollar ante>
2 a : cost, price <these improvements would raise the ante> b : risk, stakes <the new law ups the ante on tax cheats> c : a level (as of achievement or intensity) regarded especially as a goal or standard <the film ups the ante on special effects>