| stake a claim to something stake a claim (to (something)) 1. to announce that something belongs to you. Every kind of group you can think of has staked a claim to space on the Internet. Usage notes: also used in the form stake your claim: He staked his claim as a liberal. 2. to show that you believe something is yours. In recent years, several big stores have staked a claim to the wealthy shoppers in this area. Stevens has staked a claim to a new brand of techno music with a series of exciting concerts. Etymology: based on the literal meaning of stake a claim (= to mark with posts a piece of land belonging to the government that you claim for yourself) |