stake Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. noun (law) a right or legal share of something; a financial involvement with something
    interest.
    • they have interests all over the world
    • a stake in the company's future
  2. noun a pole or stake set up to mark something (as the start or end of a race track)
    post.
    • a pair of posts marked the goal
    • the corner of the lot was indicated by a stake
  3. noun instrument of execution consisting of a vertical post that a victim is tied to for burning
  4. noun the money risked on a gamble
    wager; bet; stakes.
  5. noun a strong wooden or metal post with a point at one end so it can be driven into the ground
  6. verb put at risk
    jeopardize; hazard; venture; adventure.
    • I will stake my good reputation for this
  7. verb place a bet on
    bet on; back; gage; game; punt.
    • Which horse are you backing?
    • I'm betting on the new horse
  8. verb mark with a stake
    post.
    • stake out the path
  9. verb tie or fasten to a stake
    • stake your goat
  10. verb kill by piercing with a spear or sharp pole
    impale.
    • the enemies were impaled and left to die

WordNet

Stake noun
Etymology
AS. staca, from the root of E. stick; akin to OFries. & LG. stake, D. staak, Sw. stake, Dan. stage. See Stick, v. t., and cf. Estacade, Stockade.
Definitions
  1. A piece of wood, usually long and slender, pointed at one end so as to be easily driven into the ground as a support or stay; as, a stake to support vines, fences, hedges, etc.
    A sharpened stake strong Dryas found. Dryden.
  2. A stick inserted upright in a lop, eye, or mortise, at the side or end of a cart, a flat car, or the like, to prevent goods from falling off.
  3. The piece of timber to which a martyr was affixed to be burned; hence, martyrdom by fire.
  4. A small anvil usually furnished with a tang to enter a hole in a bench top, -- used by tinsmiths, blacksmiths, etc., for light work, punching upon, etc.
  5. That which is laid down as a wager; that which is staked or hazarded; a pledge.
Stake transitive verb
Wordforms
imperfect & past participle Staked ; present participle & verbal noun Staking
Definitions
  1. To fasten, support, or defend with stakes; as, to stake vines or plants.
  2. To mark the limits of by stakes; -- with out; as, to stake out land; to stake out a new road.
  3. To put at hazard upon the issue of competition, or upon a future contingency; to wager; to pledge.
    I'll stake yon lamb, that near the fountain plays. Pope.
  4. To pierce or wound with a stake. Spectator.

Webster 1913