at stake

phrase

: at issue : in jeopardy

Millions of dollars are at stake.

Many lives/jobs are at stake.

Word History

First Known Use

1609, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler

The first known use of at stake was in 1609

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Browse Nearby Words

at speed

at stake

at stud

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Cite this Entry

Style

“At stake.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/at%20stake. Accessed 11 Mar. 2026.

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Last Updated: 24 Feb 2026 - Definition revised

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