whet

Grind to edge

To whet is to sharpen by rubbing against a hard surface: whet a knife, whet an axe.

A whetstone is a flat stone used for this purpose.

The figurative sense dominates modern usage—to whet is to stimulate or make keener: The trailer whetted my appetite for the film.

Something that whets curiosity or interest makes you want more.

sharpen

grindstone

Rotating stone for sharpening

  • honingGradual sharpening or refining
  • stropLeather sharpening strip
  • bladeFlat cutting edge

knife · edge · razor · scythe · steel · file · abrasive · grit · sharpening · hone

appetite

hunger

Need for nourishment

longing · yearning · tantalize · tease · stimulate · arouse · pique · tempt · entice · savor

curiosity

intrigue

Secret plotting or fascination

curiosity · engage · captivate · allure · attract · stimulate · arouse · spark · kindle · tease

Categories
Opposites
SHARPENING (physical edge)

whetdull

Lacking edge or interest

blunt · round · smooth · buff · polish

STIMULATING (appetite/desire)

whetdampen

Wet slightly or diminish

dull · suppress · stifle · quench · smother

Phrases
Family

whetstone, whets, whetted, whetting

Familiarity
Top 100,000
Profile
Used worldwide · Timeless · Concrete · Everyday, not technical · Rated G