1. to sharpen a blade or tool by rubbing it against a hard surface
2. to stimulate or increase someone’s desire, interest, or appetite for something

Examples

• He used a stone to whet his knife before cutting the rope.
• The chef whets her knives every morning before cooking.
• The preview was designed to whet the audience’s appetite for the full movie.
• Reading that article whetted my interest in astronomy.
• The smell of fresh bread whetted our appetites.
• She whetted the blade until it was razor-sharp.
• The teaser trailer whetted fans’ curiosity about the sequel.