stake stake /ˈsteɪk/

noun

1. () (law) a right or legal share of something; a financial involvement with something  ( stake , interest )
   (law) a right or legal share of something; a financial involvement with something
    They have interests all over the world
   they have interests all over the world
    A stake in the company's future
   a stake in the company's future
   
2. () Instrument of execution consisting of a vertical post that a victim is tied to for burning  ( stake )
   instrument of execution consisting of a vertical post that a victim is tied to for burning
   
3. () A pole or stake set up to mark something (as the start or end of a race track)  ( post , stake )
   a pole or stake set up to mark something (as the start or end of a race track)
    A pair of posts marked the goal
   a pair of posts marked the goal
    The corner of the lot was indicated by a stake
   the corner of the lot was indicated by a stake
   
4. A strong wooden or metal post with a point at one end so it can be driven into the ground  ( stake )
   a strong wooden or metal post with a point at one end so it can be driven into the ground
    I used a stake to support my young fruit tree and keep it from bending or breaking in the wind
   I used a stake to support my young fruit tree and keep it from bending or breaking in the wind
   
   
5. The money risked on a gamble  ( stake , stakes , wager , bet )
   the money risked on a gamble
    He placed a bet on the horse race
   He placed a bet on the horse race
   

verb

1. () Place a bet on  ( back , gage , game , bet on , punt , stake )
   place a bet on
    Which horse are you backing?
   Which horse are you backing?
    I'm betting on the new horse
   I'm betting on the new horse
   
2. () Put at risk  ( adventure , hazard , venture , jeopardize , stake )
   put at risk
    I will stake my good reputation for this
   I will stake my good reputation for this
   
3. () Mark with a stake  ( post , stake )
   mark with a stake
    Stake out the path
   stake out the path
   
4. Kill by piercing with a spear or sharp pole  ( impale , stake )
   kill by piercing with a spear or sharp pole
    The enemies were impaled and left to die
   the enemies were impaled and left to die
   
5. Tie or fasten to a stake  ( stake )
   tie or fasten to a stake
    Stake your goat
   stake your goat