Definition

The act of watching a specific place or person closely, usually by the police, to gather information or catch someone doing something illegal.

Example

The detectives set up a stakeout outside the suspect's house to catch him in the act.

Conversation

Did you hear about that stakeout downtown last night?

Yeah, I saw it on the news! What happened?

They were watching a building suspected of illegal activities.

Sounds intense! I hope they caught whoever they were tracking.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Stakeout → The word is formed from "stake" (from Old English *staca*, meaning a post or pole) and "out" (meaning outside). A stakeout refers to a period of surveillance conducted outside a location, often to observe or catch someone in the act.

Memory Tip

Imagine placing a 'post' ('stake') outside ('out') to keep watch — that's what a stakeout is all about.

Visually Confused Words