1. To mark the boundary of an area with or as if with stakes. He staked out the area of the field that we could use for our crops. Please stake out the part of the lawn you'd like sprayed for weeds.

2. To claim or reserve something or some area for oneself. In this usage, a noun or pronoun can be used between "stake" and "out." Why don't you go in ahead of us and stake out a few seats in the theater? Dad's going to stake a spot out for us on the field to watch the fireworks.

3. To keep someone or something under close surveillance or observation. In this usage, a noun or pronoun can be used between "stake" and "out." We've been staking out this drug dealer for months to try to get some concrete evidence. I think the cops are staking your house out, dude.