How Do You Spell STAKE OUT?

Pronunciation: [stˈe͡ɪk ˈa͡ʊt] (IPA)

The phrase "stake out" is spelled with a silent 'e' at the end of each word. In IPA phonetic transcription, it is /steɪk aʊt/. The first syllable, "stake," is pronounced like the word for a wooden post, with a long 'a' sound (/steɪk/). The second syllable, "out," is pronounced with the diphthong 'ow' (/aʊt/), which starts with an 'ah' sound and ends with an 'oo' sound. Together, the phrase means to keep watch or monitor a situation, often used in law enforcement or surveillance.

STAKE OUT Meaning and Definition

1. "Stake out" is a phrasal verb that encompasses various meanings depending on the context in which it is used. It commonly refers to the act of surveilling or monitoring a particular location, individual, or situation for a specific purpose, typically in order to gather information or catch someone in the act of committing a crime.

   In a law enforcement context, "stake out" involves setting up a covert observation of a targeted area or person to potentially apprehend a suspect, identify criminal activities, or obtain evidence. This can include establishing a hidden or temporary surveillance position, utilizing binoculars, cameras, or other monitoring equipment, and carrying out observations for extended periods of time.

   The term can also be used more broadly in non-criminal contexts, such as journalism or research, where individuals or teams stake out to gather information on a story or study subject. This might involve patiently waiting or camping out at a specific location to capture a significant event or document the behavior of a particular person or group.

   "Stake out" may also have figurative meanings, such as establishing a claim or interest in something, often a position or opinion, and defending it assertively or with a high level of commitment. This can be seen in phrases like "stake out one's position" or "stake out a claim."

   Overall, "stake out" involves the act of watching, monitoring, or waiting discreetly to gain information or achieve a particular objective, whether in relation to law enforcement, investigation, journalism, research, or the defense of a position or claim.

Common Misspellings for STAKE OUT

• stakeout
• stake out
• steak out
• atake out
• ztake out
• xtake out
• dtake out
• etake out
• wtake out
• srake out
• sfake out
• s6ake out
• s5ake out
• stzke out
• stske out
• stwke out
• stqke out
• staje out
• stame out
• stale out

Etymology of STAKE OUT

The phrase "stake out" originally comes from the practice of securing an area or marking territory by driving stakes into the ground. This literal sense was later figuratively applied to the act of watching or monitoring an area for a specific purpose, such as surveillance or waiting for someone or something. The term "stake out" emerged in the late 19th century, and it is believed to have originated in the American West during the pioneer era when it was common to stake out lands or encampments. Over time, the term became more widely used and extended to various fields beyond land claims, particularly in law enforcement and detective work.

Idioms with the word STAKE OUT

• stake out sth The idiom "stake out sth" refers to the act of affixing stakes or markers at specific points to designate or claim an area for oneself or for a particular purpose. It can also mean to observe or monitor a particular place or person covertly, often in law enforcement or investigative contexts.
• stake out a claim to sth The idiom "stake out a claim to something" means to declare or establish one's right or ownership over something, often a territory, property, or idea. It involves presenting a strong and assertive position, typically to secure resources, protect interests, or maintain control over a specific area or concept.
• stake out a claim to something To "stake out a claim to something" means to assert ownership or lay a formal or informal claim to something, typically a piece of land, a territory, or a right. It implies marking or declaring ownership or control over an area or resource and defending one's interests against potential challengers or competitors. This idiom is often used to refer to establishing a position, dominance, or control over a particular subject or domain, not necessarily limited to physical property.
• stake out "Stake out" is an idiom that means to watch a location secretly or closely, often for an extended period of time, in order to gather information or monitor someone's activities. This term originated from the practice of law enforcement officers using wooden stakes to mark a spot where they were keeping watch.

Similar spelling words for STAKE OUT

• stacked,
• stakeout,
• stocked with,
• stick out,
• stocked,
• stage door.