n.
Pronunciation: ' an-t ē
Function: noun
Etymology: ante-
Date: 1821
1 : a poker stake usually put up before the deal to build the pot <the dealer called for a dollar ante >
2 a : COST , PRICE <these improvements would raise the ante > b : RISK , STAKES <the new law ups the ante on tax cheats> c : a level (as of achievement or intensity) regarded especially as a goal or standard <the film ups the ante on special effects>