stake

Noun

• a strong wooden or metal post with a point at one end so it can be driven into the ground

• the money risked on a gamble

• instrument of execution consisting of a vertical post that a victim is tied to for burning

• 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
    
  • the corner of the lot was indicated by a stake
    

• (law) a right or legal share of something; a financial involvement with something
  • they have interests all over the world
    
  • a stake in the company's future
    

Verb

• kill by piercing with a spear or sharp pole
  • the enemies were impaled and left to die
    

• tie or fasten to a stake
  • stake your goat
    

• mark with a stake
  • stake out the path
    

• place a bet on
  • Which horse are you backing?
    
  • I'm betting on the new horse
    

• put at risk
  • I will stake my good reputation for this
    

Related words

• Synonyms: 
  stakes , bet , wager , post , interest , impale , bet on , back , gage , game , punt , venture , hazard , adventure , jeopardize