instrument of execution consisting of a vertical post that a victim is tied to for burning
"The condemned prisoner was bound tightly to the wooden stake before being led to the pyre."
a strong wooden or metal post with a point at one end so it can be driven into the ground
"The farmer drove a sturdy stake into the earth to secure the fence against the wind."
A piece of wood or other material, usually long and slender, pointed at one end so as to be easily driven into the ground as a marker or a support or stay.
"The farmer hammered a wooden stake into the soft earth to mark the boundary line between his fields."
In plain English: A stake is something you have invested money, time, or effort into that matters to your success or failure.
"The company lost its stake in the business when investors pulled out."
Usage: Use "stake" when referring to a physical post used for marking boundaries or supporting structures like fences and tents. Avoid confusing this concrete object with the financial meaning of having money at risk in an investment.
To fasten, support, defend, or delineate with stakes.
"The farmers drove wooden stakes into the ground to mark the boundary of their new field."
In plain English: To stake something means to bet money on an outcome with the risk of losing it all if you lose.
"I decided to stake my reputation on winning the game."
A surname.
"The stake family has lived in this village for three generations."
The word "stake" comes from Old English staca, meaning a pin or tack used to secure things in place. It traveled into modern English through Middle English while retaining its original sense of a pointed stick driven into the ground.