stake

1
[ steyk ]
/ steɪk /

noun

verb (used with object), staked, stak·ing.

Verb Phrases

stake out,
  1. to keep (a suspect) under police surveillance.
  2. to appoint (a police officer) to maintain constant watch over a suspect or place.

Idioms for stake

    pull up stakes, Informal. to leave one's job, place of residence, etc.; move: They pulled up stakes and went to California.

Origin of stake

1
before 900; (noun) Middle English; Old English staca pin; cognate with Dutch staak, German Stake, Old Norse -staki (in lȳsistaki candlestick); akin to stick1; (v.) Middle English staken to mark (land) with stakes, derivative of the noun

Example sentences from the Web for stake-out

  • He couldn't return to his apartment; there was bound to be a stake-out.

    Get Out of Our Skies! |E. K. Jarvis

British Dictionary definitions for stake-out (1 of 2)

stake 1
/ (steɪk) /

noun

verb (tr)

Word Origin for stake

Old English staca pin; related to Old Frisian staka, Old High German stehho, Old Norse stjaki; see stick 1

British Dictionary definitions for stake-out (2 of 2)

stake 2
/ (steɪk) /

noun

verb (tr)

to hazard (money, etc) on a result
to invest in or support by supplying with money, etc to stake a business enterprise

Word Origin for stake

C16: of uncertain origin

Idioms and Phrases with stake-out

stake