STAKE Meaning and
Definition
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Stake can be defined as a noun or verb, with varying meanings depending on the context. As a noun, stake refers to a pointed wooden or metal object, often driven into the ground, that is used to mark a boundary, support a plant, or secure something into place. It can also refer to a share, investment, or interest in a business or venture that may lead to financial gain or loss.
In a more abstract sense, stake can represent the importance, significance, or concern that someone has in a particular matter or issue. For instance, one might have a stake in a political campaign if they are personally affected by the candidate's policy proposals or if they stand to gain or lose something based on the election's outcome.
As a verb, stake primarily means to mark or indicate a boundary, territory, or claim by driving a stake into the ground. It can also denote the act of supporting or propping up something using stakes, such as a plant or a tent. Additionally, to stake can mean to gamble or risk money or possessions in a speculative venture, particularly in games of chance like poker or betting.
Overall, stake encompasses various ideas of physical marking, financial investment, personal attachment, and risk-taking, making it a versatile term that is widely used in different contexts.
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• A post or slab of wood sharpened at one end and firmly set in the ground, to which anything may be fastened; a piece of rough wood forming one of the uprights of a fence; martyrdom, because martyrs were bound to stakes when burnt; anything placed in the hands of another, particularly money, to wait the result of a wager.
• To mark the limits off by stakes; to wager; to pledge; to hazard.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
Common Misspellings for STAKE
Etymology of STAKE
The word "stake" has a Germanic origin. It ultimately derives from the Old English word "staca", which means "a pointed stick or stake". This term can be traced back to the Proto-Germanic word "stakô", referring to a "pointed object". Further back, the word can be connected to the Proto-Indo-European root "*steg", meaning "pole" or "stick". The term "stake" has been used for centuries to describe a pointed object driven into the ground, often used as a marker, support, or weapon. Over time, the word's usage has expanded to include various contexts, such as a financial interest or a risk in a venture.
Idioms with the word STAKE
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at stake
The idiom "at stake" refers to the possible loss or potential consequences of a situation or decision. It implies that something of value, importance, or significance is at risk or in jeopardy.
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stake a claim
The idiom "stake a claim" means to officially assert ownership or make a strong declaration of one's rights or interests in a particular area or matter. It originates from the practice of physically marking or placing stakes on a piece of land to indicate one's intention to possess or utilize it. Today, it is often used metaphorically to assert one's position or lay a strong claim over something, such as a territory, idea, or opportunity.
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stake out sth
To stake out something means to watch or monitor a particular place or target, usually for an extended period, in order to gather information or catch someone. It often involves maintaining surveillance at a fixed location to observe and document activities or events secretly. The term originated from the practice of marking one's boundaries with stakes or marking a specific area to keep watch.
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stake a claim (to sth)
The idiom "stake a claim (to sth)" means to assert one's right or ownership over something, often by declaring it or making it known. It is usually used in situations where multiple parties may have competing interests or disputes over the possession or control of something. By staking a claim, an individual or entity is essentially making a formal or assertive declaration of their entitlement or interest in that particular thing.
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stake sb out
The idiom "stake sb out" typically means to watch or observe someone closely, often for the purpose of gathering information or surveillance. It can also refer to monitoring someone's activities or whereabouts with the intention of catching them in the act or proving their guilt. The term "stake" here implies keeping a close eye on someone, like a stakeout or surveillance operation.
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stake a/your claim
The idiom "stake a/your claim" refers to asserting one's right or ownership over something, usually by clearly expressing or demonstrating one's intentions or plans related to it. It originates from the practices of marking or declaring ownership by physically placing stakes or markers in a piece of land or territory. The expression is commonly used to emphasize the establishment of one's position, ambition, or entitlement in a particular context.
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stake out a claim to sth
To "stake out a claim to something" means to assert one's ownership or right to something, often by taking a definitive action or making a clear statement. It is an idiom that derives from the practice of physically marking or staking a piece of land to assert one's ownership or control over it. In a broader sense, it can also refer to establishing or declaring one's position or intention regarding a certain matter or issue.
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stake a claim to sm or sth
The idiom "stake a claim to something" means to publicly declare or assert ownership or control over something, usually land or a resource, to assert one's right or entitlement to it. It often implies that one is laying claim to something that may be contested or desired by others.
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stake sth off
To stake something off means to mark or set boundaries or limits for a particular area or piece of land by placing stakes or markers in the ground. It is often done to demarcate a specific location for future construction, gardening, or any other purpose.
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stake sm to sth
The idiom "stake someone to something" typically means to provide financial support or invest money in someone or something. It can also refer to giving someone the necessary resources or means to achieve a particular outcome.
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stake sm or sth out
The idiom "stake someone or something out" refers to the act of closely observing or monitoring someone or something, often with the intention of keeping track of their activities or movements. It can also imply staking out a specific location for a particular purpose, such as surveillance or waiting for something to happen.
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burn sm at the stake
The idiom "burn someone at the stake" means to publicly criticize or condemn someone harshly, often in a cruel or excessive manner. It refers to the historical practice of execution by burning at the stake, which was often used for heretics or those accused of witchcraft in the past. In a figurative sense, it suggests subjecting someone to severe public humiliation or disparagement, where their reputation or character is effectively destroyed.
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burn at the stake
The idiom "burn at the stake" refers to a historical practice of execution by tying someone to a stake and setting them on fire as a form of punishment. In a figurative sense, it means severe public criticism, condemnation, or rejection, often in a systematic and harsh manner. It implies being subjected to intense scrutiny, judgment, or punishment for one's beliefs, actions, or ideas.
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stake out
The idiom "stake out" generally refers to the act of observing or monitoring a location, typically by staying there for an extended period of time in order to gather information or maintain surveillance. It can also be used to describe claiming a position or territory as one's own.
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stake (out) a/your claim (to/for/on something)
The idiom "stake (out) a/your claim (to/for/on something)" means to make an official or assertive declaration of ownership or rights over something. It refers to marking or establishing ownership or control over a particular territory, property, idea, or opportunity. This expression commonly implies asserting one's position or making it clear that something is rightfully theirs.
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stake (one's) claim
The idiom "stake (one's) claim" typically means to assert one's right or ownership over something, often by taking action or making a clear declaration. It originates from the practice of placing a physical stake or marker into the ground to mark the boundaries of a particular area of land that one wishes to claim. The idiom is commonly used to express the idea of confidently asserting one's position, interests, or intentions.
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burn someone at the stake
The definition of the idiom "burn someone at the stake" refers to a metaphorical concept that means to subject someone to severe criticism, humiliation, or punishment, often in a public or humiliating manner. It implies a situation where someone is figuratively attacked or condemned for their actions, beliefs, or opinions, often resulting in severe consequences for the person being targeted.
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have a stake in sth
The idiom "have a stake in sth" means to have a personal or financial interest or involvement in something, typically with potential consequences or benefits based on the outcome. It suggests having a significant investment, ownership, or concern in a particular situation or outcome.
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have a stake in (something)
The idiom "have a stake in (something)" typically means to have a personal or financial interest in a particular matter, activity, or outcome. It suggests that one has a vested interest or a significant involvement in ensuring a certain result or achieving a favorable outcome.
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stake out a claim to something
The idiom "stake out a claim to something" generally means to assert one's ownership or right to something, often by marking or declaring it as their own territory or possession and thereby asserting control or entitlement.
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stake one's reputation on sm or sth
To "stake one's reputation on something" means to be confident or certain enough about the outcome or truth of a particular thing that you are willing to risk your reputation on it. It implies a strong belief in the credibility or reliability of the person, idea, or situation being referred to, with the willingness to face potential damage to one's reputation if proven wrong.
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go to the stake
The idiom "go to the stake" means to face extreme punishment or persecution, often for one's beliefs or principles. It originates from the historical practice of burning individuals at the stake as a form of execution, particularly during the period of the Spanish Inquisition. Figuratively, it refers to enduring great hardship or even sacrificing one's life for holding steadfast to a specific ideology or conviction.
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go to the stake for (something)
The idiom "go to the stake for (something)" means to be willing to suffer extreme consequences or even face death for a belief, cause, or principle. It refers to the historical practice of executing individuals by burning them at the stake, often used as punishment for heresy or defying religious beliefs. Thus, "going to the stake for (something)" implies a person's unwavering commitment and willingness to sacrifice everything for what they believe in.
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stake a claim to someone or something
The idiom "stake a claim to someone or something" generally means to assert ownership or exclusive rights over someone or something, often in a competitive or possessive manner. It implies making a strong and assertive claim or declaration to establish one's right or authority.
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go to the stake for sth
The idiom "go to the stake for sth" means being willing to face extreme consequences, even death or persecution, in defense or support of a belief, cause, or principle. It refers to the historical practice of burning individuals at the stake for heresy or diverging from the accepted norms or beliefs of society.
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go to the stake over/for something
The idiom "go to the stake over/for something" refers to someone's strong determination or unwavering commitment to their beliefs or principles, to the point that they are willing to face severe punishment or even death. This idiomatic expression originates from the practice of executing heretics by burning them at the stake during the Inquisition era. It implies that the person is willing to endure any consequences or sacrifices for what they believe in, even if it means facing severe opposition or personal harm.
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stake up (or in)
Similar spelling words for STAKE
- steck,
- stogey,
- stookey,
- stice,
- Stacia,
- stage,
- stoke,
- stagey,
- Stasia,
- stuckey,
- Stacey,
- steege,
- stick,
- Stacee,
- Stokey,
- steak,
- steuck,
- stuck,
- stooge,
- Stacie,
- stock,
- stack.
Conjugate verb Stake
CONDITIONAL
I
would stake
you
would stake
he/she/it
would stake
we
would stake
they
would stake
CONDITIONAL CONTINUOUS
I
would be staking
you
would be staking
he/she/it
would be staking
we
would be staking
they
would be staking
CONDITIONAL PERFECT
I
would have stake
you
would have stake
he/she/it
would have stake
we
would have stake
they
would have stake
CONDITIONAL PERFECT CONTINUOUS
I
would have been staking
you
would have been staking
he/she/it
would have been staking
we
would have been staking
they
would have been staking
FUTURE
I
will stake
you
will stake
he/she/it
will stake
we
will stake
they
will stake
FUTURE CONTINUOUS
I
will be staking
you
will be staking
he/she/it
will be staking
we
will be staking
they
will be staking
FUTURE PERFECT
I
will have staked
you
will have staked
he/she/it
will have staked
we
will have staked
they
will have staked
FUTURE PERFECT CONTINUOUS
I
will have been staking
you
will have been staking
he/she/it
will have been staking
we
will have been staking
they
will have been staking
IMPERATIVE
you
stake
we
let´s stake
to stake
PAST
I
staked
you
staked
he/she/it
staked
we
staked
they
staked
PAST CONTINUOUS
I
was staking
you
were staking
he/she/it
was staking
we
were staking
they
were staking
PAST PARTICIPLE
staked
PAST PERFECT
I
had staked
you
had staked
he/she/it
had staked
we
had staked
they
had staked
PAST PERFECT CONTINUOUS
I
had been staking
you
had been staking
he/she/it
had been staking
we
had been staking
they
had been staking
PRESENT
I
stake
you
stake
he/she/it
stakes
we
stake
they
stake
PRESENT CONTINUOUS
I
am staking
you
are staking
he/she/it
is staking
we
are staking
they
are staking
PRESENT PARTICIPLE
staking
PRESENT PERFECT
I
have staked
you
have staked
he/she/it
has staked
we
have staked
they
have staked
PRESENT PERFECT CONTINUOUS
I
have been staking
you
have been staking
he/she/it
has been staking
we
have been staking
they
have been staking
I
would have staked
we
would have staked
you
would have staked
he/she/it
would have staked
they
would have staked
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