ante

 
Pronunciation: /ˈanti/

noun

  • a stake put up by a player in poker or brag before receiving cards: the antes were at the $10,000-$20,000 level

verb (antes, anteing, anted)

[with object] (ante something up)
  • put up an amount as an ante in poker or brag and similar games.
  • North American informal pay an amount of money in advance: he anted up $925,000 of his own money [no object]: the owners have to ante up if they want to attract the best talent

Phrases

up (or raise) the ante

increase what is at stake or under discussion, especially in a conflict or dispute: he decided to up the ante in the trade war

Origin:

early 19th century: from Latin, literally 'before'