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stake out

B2 neutral separable transitive
In simple words

To secretly watch a place while waiting for something to happen, like a detective would

Literal meaning: From the pioneer practice of driving stakes into land to claim ownership of it — to define and defend your territory

Meanings

1 B2 idiomatic neutral

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."

Grammar: separable
2 B2 idiomatic neutral

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."

Grammar: separable
Usage notes

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.

Commonly used with

position location building territory claim suspect

Forms

Base
stake out
I/you/we/they
3rd person
stakes out
he/she/it
Past simple
staked out
yesterday
Past participle
staked out
have + pp
-ing form
staking out
continuous

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Synonyms

surveil watch monitor case keep watch on observe

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