Investment of emotional energy in a thought or idea.
(Psychoanalysis) The libidinal energy invested in some idea or person or object; SYN. charge.

1. Money that is invested with an expectation of profit; SYN. investment funds.
2. Outer layer or covering of an organ or part or organism.
In economics, the purchase of any asset with the potential to yield future financial benefit to the purchaser (such as a house, a work of art, stocks and shares, or even a private education).

ETYM AS. staca, from the root of Eng. stick; akin to OFries. and LG. stake, Dutch staak, Swed. stake, Dan. stage. Related to Stick, Estacade, Stockade.
(Homonym: steak).
1. A vertical post that a victim is tied to for execution by burning.
2. The money risked on a gamble; SYN. stakes, bet, wager.