First Known Use: before 12th century
Dictionary
1stake
noun \ˈstāk\
: a pointed stick or post that is pushed into the ground especially to mark a place or to support something
the stake : a post that a person was tied to and burned on in the past as a form of punishment
stakes : something (such as money) that you could win or lose in a game, contest, etc.
Full 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
See stake defined for English-language learners
See stake defined for kids
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Origin of STAKE
Middle English, from Old English staca; akin to Middle Low German stake pole, and perhaps to Latin tignum beam
2stake
transitive verb
: to risk the loss of (something, such as money)
: to support (something, such as a plant) with stakes
stakedstak·ing
Full 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
First Known Use of STAKE
14th century
Related to STAKE
- Synonyms
- bankroll, capitalize, endow, fund, finance, subsidize, underwrite
- Antonyms
- defund
STAKE Defined for Kids
1stake
noun \ˈstāk\
Definition of STAKE for Kids
1
: a pointed piece (as of wood) that is driven into the ground as a marker or a support for something <tent stakes> <A sign was nailed to a stake.>
2
: a post to which a person is tied to be put to death by burning
3
: something that is put up to be won or lost in gambling <They play cards for high stakes.>
4
: the prize in a contest
2stake
verb
stakedstak·ing
Definition of STAKE for Kids
1
: 2bet 1 <I've staked my reputation on the new plan.>
2
: to mark the limits of by stakes <They staked out the yard.>
3
: to fasten or support (as plants) with stakes
4
: to give money to in order to help (as with a project)
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