To watch a place secretly for a period of time, or to establish and defend a position or claim
To secretly watch a place while waiting for something to happen, like a detective would
2 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
To covertly watch a location over a period of time, waiting for a person or event, especially in police or investigative work
"The detectives staked out the warehouse for three nights before the suspects finally arrived."
To establish and publicly claim a position, opinion, or area of influence
"The senator staked out a clear position on immigration reform early in the campaign."
From the pioneer practice of driving stakes into land to claim ownership of it — to define and defend your territory
To secretly watch a place while waiting for something to happen, like a detective would
Comes from the idea of driving stakes into the ground to mark territory. In law enforcement and journalism, it means covert surveillance of a location. In politics and business, 'stake out a position' means to establish and publicly commit to a stance. The noun 'stakeout' is very common.
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
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