plural of stake
"The high stakes at the poker table meant that losing would cost them their entire savings."
The money wagered in gambling.
In plain English: Stakes are what you have to lose if something goes wrong, often referring to money or your life.
"The stakes in his heart were too high to let him win this game without thinking carefully about every move he makes."
Third-person singular simple present indicative form of stake
"The gambler stakes his last dollar on the next roll."
In plain English: To stake something means to bet on it with money, hoping you will win if your prediction comes true.
"The company raised its stakes in the new startup by buying more shares."
plural of Stake
"The high stakes involved in the poker tournament made every player nervous."