stakes Meaning, Definition & Usage

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

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