stake1 nounstake2 verb
stakestake1 /steɪk/ ●○○ noun 
WORD ORIGINstake1
Origin:
Old English staca ‘sharp post’EXAMPLES FROM OTHER DICTIONARIES
- China has a major stake in the project.
- She went into business by acquiring a stake in a copper mine in Australia.
- The American investor boosted his stake in the company to 15%.
- As part of labor concession agreements with other airlines, the Airline Pilots Association has sought an equity stake in USAir.
- Its main partner is Scandinavian Broadcasting Systems, a media firm in which Disney has a 23 percent stake.
- The move puts off a decision on the question for at least several months, but it may well raise the stakes.
- The teacher himself, of course, has his job, his reputation and possibly his marriage at stake.
- There was simply too much at stake to leave things to chance.
- This is partly because of the importance of the interests at stake in immigration decisions: personal safety and liberty.
Longman Language Activatorto own something
if you own something, especially something big like a house, a car, or a company, it is your property and you have the legal right to have it: · We don't own the apartment, we're just renting it.· Clark owns about 40 companies in northern Europe.· They stayed in a villa once owned by the writer, Somerset Maugham.privately owned (=owned by an individual person, not by a company or government): · In National Parks, although the land is privately owned, there are strict controls on the use of the land.
also have got especially British to own something, especially something that ordinary people are likely to own: · We don't have a T.V.· How many of your students have a computer?· What kind of car has she got?· I've worked hard for everything I've got.
formal to own something - use this especially in negative sentences to say that someone does not own something that most people own: · Very few families in this area possess a telephone.· He never wore a suit - I don't think he possessed one.· Because of his gambling, he lost everything he possessed.
to own a larger part of a company than other people so that you have power to make decisions about that company: · As well as owning Mirror Group Newspapers, the Maxwell Corporation also controlled several other businesses.· The Johnson family has effective control of the company, owning almost 60% of the shares.
to own part of a company because you own a number of the equal parts into which it is divided: · She works for Le Monde, where the staff hold a significant stake in the company. · a situation in which a husband and wife both hold shares in a family company
to own part of a company and therefore be able to have a share in the money it makes: · Labatt beer has a 45% stake in the Blue Jays baseball team.· She has a stake in her husband's company, which she will have to give up if they divorce.
if a person, company, or government has an interest in a business, they own part of that business: interest in: · The bank has interests in several companies, including a 15% share of Morgan's Brewery.controlling interest (=a large enough part of the company or business to give you the power to make decisions about it): · Although the government has made some shares in National Oil Products available, it intends to maintain its controlling interest.
in a situation where there are risks if something is at risk, it could be harmed, destroyed or lost: · Unless funding becomes available, the entire project is at risk.be at risk of: · Wildlife along the coastline is at risk of serious pollution from the tankers.be at risk from: · The future of the party is clearly at risk from internal divisions.
if something is in danger , especially something very important, there is a serious risk that it will be harmed, destroyed, or lost: · With the rise of the fascist right, democracy itself was in danger.be in danger of doing something: · The whole building is in danger of collapsing.· The achievements of the 1917 Revolution are now in danger of being forgotten.
if something, especially a plan, an agreement, or a relationship is in jeopardy, there is a serious risk that it will fail, be lost, or be harmed: · Negotiations have broken down, and the peace agreement is now in jeopardy.· Lessing's career in football was in jeopardy after his back surgery in July.
if something important or valuable is at stake , there is a risk that it will be lost if something that you are doing is unsuccessful: · With a place in the final at stake, there was everything to play for.· The peace process will not end; there is too much at stake.
if something important and valuable is under threat , there is a risk that it will be lost or destroyed unless someone takes action to stop the situation that causes it: · With so many new offices being built in London, a lot of important archaeological remains are under threat.be under threat from: · Sensitive environmental areas are under threat from urban developers.be under threat of: · Demand for coal fell, and many of the mines were under threat of closure.
if something such as your job or people's opinion of you is on the line , there is a risk that you will lose it if you do not succeed in something that you are trying to do: · A company's reputation is on the line in the way it handles complaints.· Your job's on the line in this case - you'd better make sure you're right.
the part of something that someone gets or owns the part of something that one person gets or owns when something is shared between several people: · If your grandfather left any money, you will get your share.share of: · Wilson's share of the business is worth $500,000.share in: · An Australian businessman has bought a 10 percent share in the project.
the share of something, especially money, that has been officially given to a person or an organization: · The allocation for atomic research has been doubled.· Schools will be given cash allocations per student.· Special ticket allocations were made for members of the company and their guests.
informal someone's share of something, especially money: · How much is my cut going to be?· The distributors and the wholesalers all get their cut, and this is what pushes up the price.cut of: · Investigators found that her cut of the profits amounted to more than 25%.
a part of something that is divided into different parts, especially equal parts: · The money should be shared out in equal portions between all members of the family.· Most of the profit goes to the retailer; some goes to the middleman, and the remaining portion goes to the producer.portion of: · A major portion of the budget is spent on defence.
a share of something such as a company's profits or the sales of a product that someone wants to get, or believes they have a right to: · Since the company's announcement of record profits, workers are demanding a bigger slice of the cake.· By building cars in Britain, Toyota aim to win an even larger slice of the cake.
a large or important part of something that you own or pay for, especially when this involves some risk: stake in: · China has a major stake in the project.· She went into business by acquiring a stake in a copper mine in Australia.· The American investor boosted his stake in the company to 15%.
WORD SETSAC, accessory, nounadapter, nounaerosol, nounalarm, nounarm, nounash, nounattaché case, nounbag, nounbar, nounbarrel, nounbeep, verbbeeswax, nounbell, nounbelly, nounbelt, nounbench, nounbenzine, nounbinding, nounbiro, nounbolt, nounbooth, nounbox, nounbox, verbbrad, nounbriefcase, nounbristle, nounbrolly, nounbrush, nounbucket, nounbuckle, nounbuffer, nounbulb, nounBulldog clip, nounbulletin board, nounbullhorn, nounbung, nounbunting, nounbusiness card, nounbutt, nounbutton, nounbuzzer, nouncable, nouncalling card, nouncan, nouncandle, nouncane, nouncarbon, nouncarbon copy, nouncarbon paper, nouncard, nouncardboard, nouncardboard, adjectivecardboard cut-out, nouncard catalog, nouncarrier, nouncarrier bag, nouncarryall, nouncart, nouncarton, nouncartridge, nouncase, nouncaster, nouncatch, nounCellophane, nouncesspit, nounchain, nounchalice, nounchannel, nounchart, nounchute, nouncitronella, nounclamp, nouncleat, nounclip, nounclipboard, nouncomb, nouncombination lock, nouncompartment, nouncord, nouncrank, nouncrate, nouncrepe paper, nouncycle, noundetector, noundial, noundigital, adjectivedisposable, adjectivedrape, verbdrawing pin, noundryer, noundurable goods, nounDurex, nounearplug, nounelastic band, nouneraser, nouneyelet, nounfabric, nounfelt-tip pen, nounfemale, adjectivefence, nounfiberglass, nounfibreglass, nounfigurine, nounfilament, nounfile, verbFilofax, nounfire extinguisher, nounfirewood, nounfitness, nounflag, nounflagon, nounflagstaff, nounflashlight, nounflat, adjectivefloodlight, nounfoam, nounfoam, verbfog, verbfolder, nounfoolscap, nounforecourt, nounfountain, nounfountain pen, nounframe, nounfunnel, nounfuse, noungadget, noungadgetry, noungargle, verbgas, nounglue, noungoggles, noungold card, noungranny knot, noungravel, noungravelled, adjectivegravelly, adjectivegrease, noungreetings card, noungrommet, noungum, noungun, noungunnysack, noungut, nounhand-held, adjectivehandle, nounhandloom, nounharness, nounhasp, nounhealth, nounhessian, nounhinge, nounhip, nounhoarding, nounhoist, nounholder, nounhook, nounhoop, nounhooter, nounhose, nounhosepipe, nounhub, nounhygiene, nounhygienic, adjectiveillness, nounindented, adjectiveinflatable, adjectiveingrained, adjectiveink, nouninn, nouninnkeeper, nouninsoluble, adjectiveivory, nounjacket, nounjack-knife, nounjoss stick, nounjuggle, verbkey, nounkeypad, nounkey ring, nounKleenex, nounknife, nounknob, nounlabel, nounladder, nounlantern, nounlatch, nounlatchkey, nounlather, nounlather, verbLCD, nounlead, nounlectern, nounlegal pad, nounlens, nounletterbox, nounlever, nounlibrary, nounlid, nounlidded, adjectivelift, nounlight, nounlight bulb, nounlink, nounlinseed oil, nounlitter bin, nounlock, nounlodestone, nounlog, nounloop, verblost property, nounmagnet, nounmagnetic, adjectivemagnifying glass, nounmale, adjectivemantle, nounmanual, adjectivemarker, nounmarker pen, nounmarket day, nounmast, nounmastic, nounmatchstick, nounmaterial, nounmeter, nounmeths, nounmode, nounmortar, nounmortise lock, nounmould, nounmounting, nounmovement, nounnail, nounnameplate, nounnet, nounnib, nounnipple, nounnon-standard, adjectivenoose, nounnotebook, nounnotepad, nounnoticeboard, nounnozzle, nounnut, nounoil, verboilcan, nounoily, adjectiveorb, nounoutfit, nounoutlet, nounovernight, adverbpack, verbpackage, nounpad, nounpad, verbpadlock, nounpaintwork, nounpantyliner, nounpaper, nounpaperclip, nounpasserby, nounpaste, verbpasteboard, nounpatron, nounpatronage, nounpatronize, verbpattern, nounpaving, nounpearl, nounpen, nounpenknife, nounpicket fence, nounpillbox, nounpince-nez, nounpinhead, nounpipe, nounpix, nounpizza parlor, nounplug, nounpocket, nounpocketbook, nounpocket calculator, nounpocket knife, nounpointer, nounpoison, nounpole, nounportfolio, nounPost-it, nounpowder, nounpowdered, adjectivepropellant, nounpropelling pencil, nounpump-action, adjectivePX, nounquarter, verbrack, nounreceptionist, nounreel, nounrefill, nounreflector, nounrefrigerate, verbregimen, nounreservation, nounreserve, verbsachet, nounsack, nounscratchpad, nounscratch paper, nounscreen, nounsealant, nounsealer, nounsearchlight, nounseason ticket, nounseat, nounself-assembly, adjectiveseptic tank, nounservice, nounservice, verbsetting, nounshade, nounsharpener, nounshovel, nounshovel, verbshovelful, nounsilver paper, nounsiphon, nounslat, nounslice, verbslot machine, nounslug, nounsmoke, nounsoot, nounsort, nounspare part, nounspigot, nounsponge, nounspool, nounspout, nounspray, nounspray can, nounspray paint, nounspring, nounstaff, nounstake, nounstalk, nounstandard, nounstaple, nounstapler, nounstationery, nounsteam, nounsteam clean, verbsteel, nounsteel wool, nounstepladder, nounstick, verbstick, nounsticker, nounstilt, nounstopper, nounstorm lantern, nounstrap, nounstreamer, nounstring, nounstub, nounsucker, nounSuperglue, nounswipe, verbswitch, nounswivel, nountab, nountack, nountag, nountag, verbtank, nountap, nountape, nountassel, nountattle, verbtea break, nounthong, nounthread, nountime-saving, adjectivetinder, nountinderbox, nountissue, nountop, nountote bag, nountowel, verbtray, nountrolley, nountube, nountubing, nountwine, nountwo-way mirror, nounumbrella, nounvent, nounvial, nounwaiting room, nounwasher, nounwaste paper, nounwatch, nounwaterspout, nounwheeled, adjectivewhistle, verbwooden, adjectivewriting paper, noun
COLLOCATIONS FROM THE ENTRY
He holds a 51% stake in the firm. Climbing is a dangerous sport and the stakes are high. We’re playing for high stakes here. Drive two stakes into the ground about three feet apart. Suspected witches were burnt at the stake.COLLOCATIONS FROM OTHER ENTRIES
He holds a 51% stake in the firm. Climbing is a dangerous sport and the stakes are high. We’re playing for high stakes here. Drive two stakes into the ground about three feet apart. Suspected witches were burnt at the stake. (=burned in a fire as a punishment)· In those days witches were burned at the stake.
(=someone may lose their honour)· French people believed that the country's honour was at stake over the incident.
(=a number of shares in a company, equalling less than half the total number)· IBM has bought a minority stake in the computer company.
COLLOCATIONS FROM THE CORPUSADJECTIVE· We are playing for big stakes here.· In fact, corn farmers probably have as big a stake in sugar quotas as do sugar growers!· The stock market has no inkling a big stake is being amassed, so the target's share price need not rise.· They, after all, are the ones with the biggest stake in the outcome.· At the least, they understand something big is at stake.· For towns of medium size a big stake in the woollen textile industry was the surest foundation of prosperity.
· There are really two questions: who can stay in the home and how is the financial stake to be divided?· Quackenbush is confident the timetable can be met, especially since the financial stakes are so high.· One other body deserves mention, though it is very small fry in the financial stakes.· It is argued that there might be one financial cost at stake in this idea.
· You thought you'd play - for higher stakes than those he was offering.· Of course much depends on how the current high stakes budget negotiations play out.· He found Zacco lightly intoxicated, and playing dice for high stakes among a circle of friends.· I have relatively high stakes in conformity - I happen to have done fairly well out of it.· It's a high-stakes game, and few enterprises can afford to compete.· Especially when the players themselves happily accept the high stakes for which they play, gambling with their bodies.· But commander-in-chief Douglas MacArthur wanted to play for higher stakes.· And sport is played for higher-sometimes much higher-stakes, whether these be economic, political or personal.
· Analysts also expect the company to shed its large stake in merchant bank Singer & Friedlander.· I have tried to play for a large stake, and if I succeed all will be well.· Meanwhile, the Conservative Government has helped ordinary people to gain a larger stake in the nation's wealth.· It follows, then, that families have the largest stake in the education process.· Identify the four or five groups that you think would have the largest stake in decisions in this policy area. 2.
· This will give Anglia a major stake in a top Hollywood television production company.· The process of centralization has involved governments in taking a major stake in investments which were previously foreign-owned.· They have taken a major stake in Crane Holdings.
· News that an investor has bought a significant stake in any company is likely to lift that company's share price.
· His modest bit of holiday money had miraculously multiplied and all from a single, small stake!· With a very small stake, vast losses and gains can be made.· Banks own small stakes of their own and can rally support against a bidder.· In return it will take a small stake in their start-ups.
· It's thought the attackers used either a knife or a wooden stake.· In the town of Pisco, 125 miles south of the capital Lima, sales of crucifixes and wooden stakes are booming.
NOUN· This has resulted in several of the unlisted equity stakes being valued at a big discount to the quoted investments.· Lockheed Martin will hold a 20 percent equity stake in Loral Space.· Terms of the acquisition of the product line and equity stake were not revealed.· Gengold operates a total of 11 mines under management contracts and holds equity stakes in each.· About 65 percent of Gold Fields' earnings are from dividends paid by gold mines in which it has equity stakes.· Rockefeller would retain its 50 percent equity stake in Embarcadero Center.· As part of labor concession agreements with other airlines, the Airline Pilots Association has sought an equity stake in USAir.· The 49-percent equity stake commands 71 percent of voting rights.
· It is unlikely, however, that any Western company will get more than a minority stake in Pilsner Urquell.· Jaguar plunged 46p to 685p as General Motors confirmed it is in talks that could result in it taking a minority stake.· The disposal of a minority stake would raise about £17 million.· A strategic alliance may take the form of an outright acquisition, minority stake, joint venture or brand franchise.· Assuming that shares are purchased, whether to acquire full control, majority holding or a minority stake?
VERB· It acquired its stake in the early 1980s, hoping eventually to acquire the tobacco group.· Disney reportedly has been in talks to acquire a one-third stake in Starwave Corp. for as much as $ 100 million.· Millions of voters have acquired a stake in the wider ownership of shares and homes and a voice in union affairs.· Hongkong Land acquired a 14.9% stake in Trafalgar House and then attempted, but failed, to push its holding to 29.9%.· Mediobanca is being forced to acquire the 10 percent stake after secretly buying that much in October.· Employees should be given every opportunity to acquire a stake in the business for which they work.· Buyers acquire a 50 percent stake in exchange for investing a certain amount of money in the company.
· Generation One you burn at the stake.· He was then burnt at the stake.· Refusing to recant his doctrines as heretical, he was condemned to be burnt at the stake at Konstanz.· Governor Dulcitius had her sisters burnt at the stake.
· They were quickly convicted and sentenced to be burned at the stake.· He was pursued, as described in the rhyme, until caught at Grassgill End where he was burned at the stake.· In those days they would have burned geneticists at the stake.· I might well have got myself burned upon a stake, although in those days that wasn't all that difficult.· This was her husband and he was being burned at the stake.
· Although the under-18s can not trade shares themselves, adults can buy stakes in collective investment funds on their behalf.· And it is taking the unusual step of buying ownership stakes in some projects.· Members do not simply join it, they buy a stake in it.· But they will be allowed to buy stakes of up to 15 percent and after five years the barriers will come down.· Union des Assurances de Paris is tipped to buy the 21 p.c. stake in Skandia.· Mr Perelman previously attempted to buy a stake in Salomon Brothers, which rejected his approach.
· Carso owns controlling stakes in 12 companies, including outfits in the mining, auto parts, cigarette and retail industries.
· If one wins while wrestling with the devil, one must drive a stake into his heart.
· Telefonica holds a 60% stake in the company, local partners the rest.· Gengold operates a total of 11 mines under management contracts and holds equity stakes in each.
· A part disposal is occurring here - the effect is to increase the stake of the minority shareholders from 20% to 45%.· Currently, Packer is prevented from increasing his stake above the current 17 percent by cross-media ownership rules.· The consortium paid US$50,000,000 for a 30 percent stake in Ikarus, with an option to increase the stake to 48 percent.· Continental is expected to try and increase its stake - or bid.
· Greene King failed in its attempt to take over Morland; it now owns a 29.32% stake in the Thames Valley brewer.· Discount Investment, which rose 2. 25 percent, owns a 26 percent stake in Iscar.· Carso owns controlling stakes in 12 companies, including outfits in the mining, auto parts, cigarette and retail industries.
· You thought you'd play - for higher stakes than those he was offering.· I have tried to play for a large stake, and if I succeed all will be well.· He found Zacco lightly intoxicated, and playing dice for high stakes among a circle of friends.· We are playing for big stakes here.· But commander-in-chief Douglas MacArthur wanted to play for higher stakes.· A judge told William Sim and David Todd that they had been playing for high stakes and had to pay the penalty.
· Moreover, when a business pulls up stakes or downsizes, an entire program can wither overnight.· Sometimes, staying put is a greater act of courage than pulling up stakes and starting anew.· So, he pulled up stakes and moved to Allen County to oversee a farm.
· One whiff - and they raise the stakes by digging deeper into their pockets.· More important, it raised the stakes.· Superpower involvement has raised the stakes rather than lowered them.· He raised the stakes when he could not win.· In such circumstances, why raise the stakes by pursuing independence?· Equally alarming is Costner's campaign to pressure state legislators to raise the maximum betting stake.· Literary rivalry raised the stakes in the unfolding family romance.· The erosion of investment grade credits, though, would raise the stakes for banks.
· Mr Holmes a Court is thought to have taken advantage of the share's rapid progress, selling his 2 percent stake.· The elder Clarks and the Wrights had sold off their stakes.· Hanson, the industrial holding company, announced it had sold almost half its stake in packaging-to-adhesives group Wassall.· He has specifically mentioned selling a stake in the road.· SmithKline might sell its 84% stake in Beckman, a scientific-instrument business, and Allergan, an eye-care subsidiary.· Hanson was fended off, and sold his stake a year later, but the episode had unleashed shock waves.· If he does not do so, Edwards will be able to sell his stake to the highest bidder.
· It may take a stake in the venture.· Jaguar plunged 46p to 685p as General Motors confirmed it is in talks that could result in it taking a minority stake.· Cook has already promised to take a 12.5 percent stake in Owners via a tender offer, provided the Airtours bid failed.· Radio Investments has taken its stake in Kent-based radio station Invicta Sound to 10.47 percent through the purchase of another 1.39 percent.· The process of centralization has involved governments in taking a major stake in investments which were previously foreign-owned.· Three years ago Rover linked up with Honda, which took a 20 percent stake in the company.· Granada Media agreed to take a 5 % stake in Arsenal football club, valuing the side at $ 570m.
PHRASES FROM THE ENTRY► the stake► (be prepared to) go to the stake for/over something► at stakePHRASES FROM OTHER ENTRIES► put/bet/stake your shirt on something
1at stake if something that you value very much is at stake, you will lose it if a plan or action is not successful: - Although still carrying the hallmarks of a true fishing port, Padstow is fast gaining ground in the popularity stakes.
- They are running neck-and-neck in the popularity stakes.
- Our family pulled up stakes every few years when Dad was in the Army.
- Moreover, when a business pulls up stakes or downsizes, an entire program can wither overnight.
- So, he pulled up stakes and moved to Allen County to oversee a farm.
- Sometimes, staying put is a greater act of courage than pulling up stakes and starting anew.
- And the more you borrow, the more the bank will have a stake in your success.
- Both countries have a stake in using the World Trade Organization and in not allowing trade disputes to poison bilateral relations.
- Dow Jones and Intel also have stakes in Sohu.
- Many have a stake in the present system.
- Pharmaceuticals and health-products firms, which have a stake in Medicaid and Medicare reforms, $ 1. 3 million.
- The decisions will be made at the appropriate level by those who have a stake in them.
- They reasoned that, if neither main party won a commanding majority, both would have a stake in negotiating rather than fighting.
- We want all our people to share in growing prosperity and to have a stake in the country's future.
- But commander-in-chief Douglas MacArthur wanted to play for higher stakes.
- Especially when the players themselves happily accept the high stakes for which they play, gambling with their bodies.
- He found Zacco lightly intoxicated, and playing dice for high stakes among a circle of friends.
- I have relatively high stakes in conformity - I happen to have done fairly well out of it.
- It was the highest stakes ever.
- Of course much depends on how the current high stakes budget negotiations play out.
- The higher stakes have increased the temptation to overload the inflatable speedboats, called Zodiacs.
- You thought you'd play - for higher stakes than those he was offering.
- Before we staked our claim to our own windward isle, there was something I wanted to see first.
- Families were already staking their claims on the beach; children were digging eagerly as terriers, spraying sand all around them.
- Honor had been satisfied; each group had staked its claim to its own territory.
- If you want him, stake your claim.
- Other fish may have already staked their claim to other hiding places in your aquarium.
- Shastri died in 1966, and Indira Gandhi staked her claim.
- Those undertaking the drainage were quick to stake their claim to the best bits of land.
- And if the deceased director owned a majority shareholding, the surviving directors could suddenly find themselves with a new boss.
- Demand from investors will determine how many new shares are issued, although Pittencrieff said yesterday it will retain a majority stake.
- Virgin was interested in the Ames group and took a majority shareholding.
- Vodafone, however, has a reputation of building up majority stakes in its company holdings.
They have to win the contract – thousands of jobs are at stake. National pride is at stake in next week’s game against England.2company/business [countable] if you have a stake in a business, you have invested money in ithold/have a stake in something He holds a 51% stake in the firm.3have a stake in something if you have a stake in something, you will get advantages if it is successful, and you feel that you have an important connection with it: Young people don’t feel they have a stake in the country’s future.4money risked [countable] money that you risk as the result of a horse race, card game etc: For a dollar stake, you can win up to $1,000,000.5high stakes a)if the stakes are high when you are trying to do something, you risk losing a lot or it will be dangerous if you fail: Climbing is a dangerous sport and the stakes are high. b)if the stakes are high when you are doing something such as playing a card game, you risk losing a lot of money: We’re playing for high stakes here.6pointed stick [countable] a pointed piece of wood, metal etc, especially one that is pushed into the ground to support something or mark a particular place: tent stakes Drive two stakes into the ground about three feet apart.7the stake a post to which a person was tied in former times before being killed by burning: Suspected witches were burnt at the stake.8in the popularity/fashion etc stakes used when saying how popular, fashionable etc someone or something is: Ben wouldn’t score very highly in the popularity stakes.9(be prepared to) go to the stake for/over something British English to be willing to do anything to protect or defend an idea or belief: That’s my opinion, but I wouldn’t go to the stake for it.10pull up stakes (also up stakes British English) informal to leave your job or home: We’re going to pull up stakes and move to Montana.stake1 nounstake2 verb
stakestake2 verb [transitive] 1to risk losing something that is valuable or important to you on the result of somethingstake something on somebody/something Kevin is staking his reputation on the success of the project. Jim staked his whole fortune on one card game.2 I’d stake my life on it spoken used when saying that you are completely sure that something is true, or that something will happen: I’m sure that’s Jesse – I’d stake my life on it.3 (also stake up) to support something with stakes: Young trees have to be staked.4 (also stake off) to mark or enclose an area of ground with stakes: A corner of the field has been staked off.5stake (out) a claim to say publicly that you think you have a right to have or own somethingstake to Both countries staked a claim to the islands.stake something ↔ out phrasal verb informal1to watch a place secretly and continuously: Police officers have been staking out the warehouse for weeks.2to mark or control a particular area so that you can have it or use it: We went to the show early to stake out a good spot.3to state your opinions about something in a way that shows how your ideas are clearly separate from other people’s ideas: Johnson staked out the differences between himself and the other candidates.