Dictionary.com
Thesaurus.com
Synonyms

stake out

Idioms  
  1. Keep an area or person under police surveillance; also, assign someone to conduct such a surveillance. For example, They staked out the house, or He was staked out in the alley, watching for drug dealers. [c. 1940]


Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

See Examples For:

The scrutiny of Siebel Newsom comes as her husband tries to stake out a more centrist stance on some issues.

From Los Angeles Times Jul. 7, 2026

Eisenkot has yet to stake out clear positions on several national security issues, including the future of Gaza.

From The Wall Street Journal Jul. 6, 2026

The tiny rituals help stake out a sense of ease: a truly good, no-notes dip; a bowl of warm, spiced nuts that perfumes the whole apartment the moment the door opens.

From Salon Dec. 9, 2025

Certain members agreed to stake out high-traffic locations during their lunch breaks, or if they were working remotely.

From Slate Oct. 27, 2025

Because of the crowd we’re only able to stake out one lawn chair.

From "Dumplin'" by Julie Murphy

Vocabulary.com logo
by dictionary.com

Join 12,000,000 vocabulary learners

Start learning new words today on VocabTrainer.
You'll remember them forever.

Start training