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'
