noun
plural antes
[count] :the amount of money that a player must bet at the beginning of play in a poker game - usually singular
raise the ante
or up the ante
to increase an amount or level: such as
to raise the cost or price
to increase the risk or possible harm that could result from something - often + on
to set a higher standard or goal - often + on
verb
antes; anted; anteing
to pay the amount of money required to start play in a poker game [no obj]
usually + up
US