stake
1stake
noun \ˈstāk\Definition of STAKE
1
: a pointed piece of wood or other material driven or to be driven into the ground as a marker or support
2
a : a post to which a person is bound for execution by burning b : execution by burning at a stake
3
a : something that is staked for gain or loss b : the prize in a contest c : an interest or share in an undertaking or enterprise
4
: a Mormon territorial jurisdiction comprising a group of wards
5
6
: stakes race —usually used in plural but singular or plural in construction
— at stake
: at issue : in jeopardy
Examples of STAKE
- Joan of Arc was burned at the stake.
- a poker game with high stakes
- The stakes are too high.
Origin of STAKE
Middle English, from Old English staca; akin to Middle Low German stake pole, and perhaps to Latin tignum beam
First Known Use: before 12th century
2stake
transitive verbstakedstak·ing
Definition of STAKE
1
: to mark the limits of by or as if by stakes
2
: to tether to a stake
4
: to fasten up or support (as plants) with stakes
5
: to back financially
6
— stake a claim
: to assert a title or right to something by or as if by placing stakes usually to satisfy a legal requirement
Examples of STAKE
- She staked the tomatoes to keep them from falling over.
- <the actor staked the entire production of the film with his own money>
First Known Use of STAKE
14th century
Related to STAKE
- Synonyms
- bankroll, capitalize, endow, fund, finance, subsidize, underwrite
- Antonyms
- defund
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