stake1
• noun 1 a strong post with a point at one end, driven into the ground to support a tree, form part of a fence, etc. 2 (the stake) historical a wooden post to which a person was tied before being burned alive. • verb 1 support (a plant) with a stake. 2 (stake out) mark (an area) with stakes so as to claim ownership. 3 (stake out) informal keep (a place or person) under surveillance. — PHRASES stake a claim assert one’s right to something. — ORIGIN Old English, related to STICK2.
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