What is "at stake"

Stake \Stake\ (st[=a]k), n. [AS. staca, from the root of E. stick; akin to OFries. & LG. stake, D. staak, Sw. stake, Dan. stage. See Stick, v. t., and cf. Estacade, Stockade.]

1. A piece of wood, usually long and slender, pointed at one end so as to be easily driven into the ground as a support or stay; as, a stake to support vines, fences, hedges, etc.

   A sharpened stake strong Dryas found.
   --Dryden.

2. A stick inserted upright in a loop, eye, or mortise, at the side or end of a cart, a flat car, or the like, to prevent goods from falling off.

3. The piece of timber to which a martyr was affixed to be burned; hence, martyrdom by fire.

4. A small anvil usually furnished with a tang to enter a hole in a bench top, -- used by tinsmiths, blacksmiths, etc., for light work, punching upon, etc.

5. That which is laid down as a wager; that which is staked or hazarded; a pledge.

6. (Mormon Ch.) A territorial division; -- called also stake of Zion.

   Every city, or ``stake,'' including a chief town and surrounding towns, has its president, with two counselors; and this president has a high council of chosen men.
   --Schaff-Herzog Encyc.

   At stake, in danger; hazarded; pledged. ``I see my reputation is at stake.''
   --Shak.

prep.phr. (context idiomatic English) At issue, at risk.