ante

1 ante /ˈænti/ noun
plural antes
1 ante
/ˈænti/
noun
plural antes
Britannica Dictionary definition of ANTE
[count]
: the amount of money that a player must bet at the beginning of play in a poker game — usually singular — see also penny-ante

raise the ante

or up the ante
: to increase an amount or level: such as
a  : to raise the cost or price
b  : to increase the risk or possible harm that could result from something — often + on
c  : to set a higher standard or goal — often + on
2 ante /ˈænti/ verb
antes; anted; anteing
2 ante
/ˈænti/
verb
antes; anted; anteing
Britannica Dictionary definition of ANTE
: to pay the amount of money required to start play in a poker game
[no object]
— usually + up
[+ object]
— often used figuratively