Definition
A stake can refer to a wooden post pointed at one end for driving into the ground, OR it can mean an interest or share in something, like a business. It has two very different meanings. Think of a "stake" in the ground vs. a "stake" in a company. A wooden stake is used for support or as a boundary marker. A stake in a company represents ownership or investment. The metaphorical use implies a risk or involvement. Stakes can be high or low, depending on the situation.