STAKES

noun

1. 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.
2. A piece of wood driven in the ground, placed in the middle of the court, that is used as the finishing point after scoring 12 hoops in croquet.
3. A stick inserted upright in a lop, eye, or mortise, at the side or end of a cart, flat car, flatbed trailer, or the like, to prevent goods from falling off.

verb

1. To fasten, support, defend, or delineate with stakes.
2. To pierce or wound with a stake.
3. To put at risk upon success in competition, or upon a future contingency.

noun

1. The money wagered in gambling.
2. Risks.