to sharpen the blade of (a tool or weapon), to stimulate (someone's desire, interest, or appetite)

whet one's whistle, whet someone's appetite, whetstone

Formal and Informal Expressions of whet

In different contexts, you can replace 'whet' with suitable alternatives. In a more formal setting, 'sharpen, stimulate' is apt. In informal speech or writing, 'get ready, pique' is a commonplace synonym.

whet: Explore its Definition & Usage

whet Definition

1to sharpen the blade of (a tool or weapon)
2to stimulate (someone's desire, interest, or appetite)

Using whet: Examples

Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "whet" can be used in various situations through the following examples!

Example
He whetted his knife on the stone.
Example
The preview whetted my appetite for the movie.
Example
The smell of fresh bread whetted her hunger.
Example
The coach tried to whet the team's competitive spirit.

whet Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms for whet

Antonyms for whet

Phrases with whet

whet one's whistle
to drink something, especially an alcoholic beverage, to quench one's thirst
Example
After a long day at work, he went to the pub to whet his whistle.
whet someone's appetite
to increase someone's interest or desire for something
Example
The trailer for the new movie really whetted my appetite to see it.
whetstone
a stone used for sharpening knives or other cutting tools
Example
He used a whetstone to sharpen his hunting knife.

Origins of whet

from Old English 'hwettan', meaning 'to sharpen'

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Summary: whet in Brief

'Whet' [hwet, wet] is a verb that means to sharpen a tool or weapon, or to stimulate someone's desire, interest, or appetite. Examples include 'He whetted his knife on the stone,' and 'The preview whetted my appetite for the movie.' Phrases like 'whet one's whistle' refer to drinking to quench one's thirst, while 'whet someone's appetite' means to increase their interest or desire for something.