stake

/steɪk/
noun
  1. A pointed stick or post that is driven into the ground, often used to support something or mark a boundary.
    • Gardeners often use a stake to keep young tomato plants upright.
    • The surveyor placed a metal stake at each corner of the property.
    • We hammered a wooden stake into the ground to hold the tent rope.
  2. A share or financial interest in a business, project, or property.
    • The company sold its stake in the mining operation for a large profit.
    • Having a stake in the business makes employees work harder.
    • She bought a 20 percent stake in the new coffee shop.
  3. Something that is risked or wagered, especially in a game or contest.
    • The poker players placed their stakes on the table before the final hand.
    • The stakes in this chess tournament are a trophy and a cash prize.
    • He raised the stakes by betting his entire savings on the horse race.
  4. A situation where the outcome involves a significant risk or reward (often used in the plural: stakes).
    • In a medical emergency, the stakes can be a matter of life and death.
    • The stakes in the election are higher than ever this year.
    • With the deadline approaching, the stakes are very high for the team.
Synonyms
verb
  1. To mark or support something with a stake or stakes.
    • The farmer staked the fence posts firmly into the ground.
    • We need to stake the young trees so they don't bend in the wind.
    • She staked the tomato plants with bamboo poles.
  2. To risk or wager something, especially money or reputation, on the outcome of an event.
    • She staked her reputation on the success of the project.
    • He staked his entire allowance on the basketball game.
    • They staked a large sum of money on the final race.
  3. To claim or assert a right or interest in something (often used with 'out' or 'claim').
    • He staked out a spot on the beach with his towel and umbrella.
    • The explorers staked a claim to the land they discovered.
    • She staked her position as the leading expert in the field.