stake
UK: steɪk | US: steɪk
n. a pointed stick or post driven into the ground as a marker, boundary, or support
n. a sum of money or other reward risked in a wager or investment
vt. to mark or secure with stakes
vt. to risk (money, reputation, etc.) on an outcome
The word "stake" traces back to Old English staca, meaning "pointed stick or post," derived from Proto-Germanic stakô. The root sta- (related to "stand") suggests an upright or fixed object. Over time, the term expanded metaphorically to include financial risk (16th century), likely from the idea of placing a wager "on the line" (as if marking it with a stake).
The gardener used wooden stakes to support the tomato plants.
He lost a significant stake in the poker game last night.
Protesters staked out the area with signs and banners.
She staked her reputation on the success of the project.
The vampire hunter drove a silver stake through the creature's heart.